What is 5/48 plus 7/21?
5/48 plus 7/21 equals 7/16 (or 0.4375 in decimal form). Learn the step-by-step solution to add 5/48 and 7/21 using Least Common Denominator and simplification.
Exact Answer
5/48 + 7/21 = 7/16
Simplified Fraction
7/16
Mixed Number
Proper (7/16)
Decimal Value
0.4375
Percentage
43.75%
Step-by-Step Solution: 5/48 + 7/21
Step 1
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 48 and 21 share a common factor (GCD = 3). Finding their Least Common Multiple gives an LCD of 336 (which is smaller than their product 48 ร 21 = 1008, keeping the calculation simpler).
LCD(48, 21) = 336
Step 2
Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 336
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 5/48 by 7, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 7/21 by 16 so both fractions share the common base 336.
5 ร 7/48 ร 7 = 35/336 and 7 ร 16/21 ร 16 = 112/336
Step 3
Add the Numerators
Now add the numerators (35 + 112 = 147) and keep the common denominator 336 unchanged.
35 + 112/336 = 147/336
Step 4
Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 147 and 336, which is 21. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 21.
147 รท 21/336 รท 21 = 7/16
Step 5
Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator 7 by denominator 16 yields an exact terminating decimal of 0.4375 (or 43.75%).
7 รท 16 = 0.4375 (43.75%)
Visual Representation
The diagram below illustrates 5/48 plus 7/21 visually:
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Summary & Alternative Representations
| Property / Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Terms Fraction | 7/16 |
| Mixed Number Form | 7/16 |
| Decimal Form | 0.4375 |
| Percentage | 43.75% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5/48 plus 7/21 as a fraction?
5/48 + 7/21 in simplest fraction form is 7/16.
What is 5/48 plus 7/21 as a decimal?
5/48 + 7/21 converted to a decimal is 0.4375.
What is 5/48 plus 7/21 as a percentage?
5/48 + 7/21 expressed as a percentage is 43.75%.
Does 5/48 plus 7/21 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?
It results in an exact terminating decimal (0.4375) because the denominator in simplest terms contains only prime factors 2 and/or 5.