Problem 70 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Perform the indicated operation. Where possible, reduce the answer to its lowest terms. $$\frac{5}{16}+\frac{1}{16}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The solution to \(\frac{5}{16} + \frac{1}{16}\) is \(\frac{3}{8}\).

Step 1: Add the numerators

Since both fractions have the same denominator (in this case 16), the numerators of the fractions (5 and 1 respectively) should be added. This operation gives us \(\frac{5 + 1}{16}\) or \(\frac{6}{16}\).

Step 2: Reduce to the lowest terms

The fraction \(\frac{6}{16}\) can be reduced to its lowest terms by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common divisor. In this case, the greatest common divisor of 6 and 16 is 2. Dividing 6 by 2 gives us 3, and dividing 16 by 2 gives us 8. Hence, the fraction is reduced to \(\frac{3}{8}\).