math help

What is 16/48 + 7/10?

What is 16/48 + 7/10?

Here's how we add

16
48
+
7
10

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 16 by 10, and get 160, then we multiply 48 by 10 and get 480.

16/48 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 48, and get 336, then multiply 48 by 10 and get 480.

7/10 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

160
480
+
336
480

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

160 + 336 = 496

That gives us an answer of

496
480

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

496
480
÷ 2 =
248
240

Let's try dividing by that again...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

248
240
÷ 2 =
124
120

Let's try dividing by that again...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

124
120
÷ 2 =
62
60

Let's try dividing by that again...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

62
60
÷ 2 =
31
30

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

No good. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 7/10

16
48
+
7
10
=
31
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler