math help

What is 9/16 + 3/9?

What is 9/16 + 3/9?

This is how you add

9
16
+
3
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 9 by 9, and get 81, then we multiply 16 by 9 and get 144.

9/16 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 16, and get 48, then multiply 16 by 9 and get 144.

3/9 times 16

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

81
144
+
48
144

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

81 + 48 = 129

So what's the answer so far?

129
144

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

129
144
÷ 3 =
43
48

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 43. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 9/16 + 3/9

9
16
+
3
9
=
43
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler