math help

What is 16/48 + 8/9?

What is 16/48 + 8/9?

Here's how we add

16
48
+
8
9

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 9, and get 144, then we multiply 48 by 9 and get 432.

16/48 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 48, and get 384, then multiply 48 by 9 and get 432.

8/9 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

144
432
+
384
432

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

144 + 384 = 528

That gives us an answer of

528
432

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:

528
432
÷ 2 =
264
216

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

264
216
÷ 2 =
132
108

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

132
108
÷ 2 =
66
54

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

66
54
÷ 2 =
33
27

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:

33
27
÷ 3 =
11
9

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 8/9

16
48
+
8
9
=
11
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler