math help

What is 16/48 + 9/11?

What is 16/48 + 9/11?

Here's how to add

16
48
+
9
11

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 16 by 11, and get 176, then we multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

16/48 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 9 by 48, and get 432, then multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

9/11 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

176
528
+
432
528

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

176 + 432 = 608

Now we have an answer.

608
528

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:

608
528
÷ 2 =
304
264

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

304
264
÷ 2 =
152
132

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

152
132
÷ 2 =
76
66

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

76
66
÷ 2 =
38
33

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 33. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 9/11

16
48
+
9
11
=
38
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler