Question

Perform the indicated operation. Write all results in lowest terms. $$-\frac{3}{16}-\frac{3}{16}$$

Short answer

Answer: The simplified result of the sum is $$\frac{-3}{8}$$.

Step-by-step solution

Add the Numerators

Since the denominators are the same (16), we can directly perform the addition by adding the numerators together: $$-\frac{3}{16}-\frac{3}{16}$$ $$= \frac{-3-3}{16}$$

Calculate the Sum of the Numerators

Now let's sum the numerators: $$-3-3 = -6$$ So the sum of the numerators is -6.

Write the New Fraction

Now, put the sum of the numerators (-6) over the common denominator (16): $$\frac{-6}{16}$$

Simplify the Fraction

The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 6 and 16 is 2. Hence, divide both numerator and denominator by 2 to simplify the fraction: $$\frac{-6}{16} = \frac{-6\div2}{16\div2} = \frac{-3}{8}$$ The simplified answer is: $$\frac{-3}{8}$$