The first few multiples of 8 are [8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80] and the first few multiples of 16 are [16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96]. The first few multiples they share are [16, 32, 48, 64, 80] making 16 the smallest multiple 8 and 16 have in common.

To add these fractions, first find the lowest common multiple of their denominators. The first few multiples of 4 are [4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40] and the first few multiples of 6 are [6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60]. The first few multiples they share are [12, 24, 36, 48, 60] making 12 the smallest multiple 4 and 6 share.

Next, convert the fractions so each denominator equals the lowest common multiple:

\( \frac{5 x 3}{4 x 3} \) + \( \frac{8 x 2}{6 x 2} \)

\( \frac{15}{12} \) + \( \frac{16}{12} \)

Now, because the fractions share a common denominator, you can add them:

\( \frac{15 + 16}{12} \) = \( \frac{31}{12} \) = 2\(\frac{7}{12}\)

The factors of a number are all positive integers that divide evenly into the number. The factors of 64 are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64.

A rational number (or fraction) is represented as a ratio between two integers, a and b, and has the form \({a \over b}\) where a is the numerator and b is the denominator. An improper fraction (\({5 \over 3} \)) has a numerator with a greater absolute value than the denominator and can be converted into a mixed number (\(1 {2 \over 3} \)) which has a whole number part and a fractional part.

The absolute value is the positive magnitude of a particular number or variable and is indicated by two vertical lines: \(\left|-5\right| = 5\). In the case of a variable absolute value (\(\left|a\right| = 5\)) the value of a can be either positive or negative (a = -5 or a = 5).