What is 16/48 + 8/12?

Here's how to add

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

Since 12 is evenly divided by 48, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 8 by 4, and get 32, then we multiply 12 by 4 and get 48.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

16 + 32 = 48

Now we have an answer.

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 3 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 8/12