To add and simplify two fractions, we first need to get a common denominator (bottom number).
9/16 + 1/2 --> since 2 goes into 16, we can use 16 for both.
Now since 2×8 = 16, we multiply the top (numerator) by that as well, since they're equal to the same quantity: 1×8 = 8, so we are ready to add our modified fractions: 9/16 + 8/16
Secondly, to add two fractions with a common denominator, we simply add the two numerators, then put them over that common denominator:
9/16 + 8/16 = (9+8)/16 = 17/16
Third step is to simply (or reduce) the fraction into its smallest possible ratio. Here only 1 and 17 are factors of 17, so we cannot reduce it any more. If it were instead, say 18/16, then we could reduce it by 2 to: 9/8
Last step is if the problem asks for a mixed numeral (number), then we would could convert it into: 1 1/16, but usually the improper fraction will do. So our final answer is 17/16.
Hope that helps you for similar problems in the future!