Adding Fractions with Different Denominators: 1/4 and 3/6

Fraction Addition with Simplification Steps

14+36= \frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{6}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to find the lowest common denominator
00:06 Multiply each fraction by the other denominator to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:21 Calculate the multiplications
00:29 Add under the common denominator
00:32 Calculate the numerator
00:37 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:43 Remember to divide both numerator and denominator
00:46 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

14+36= \frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding 14 \frac{1}{4} and 36 \frac{3}{6} , we perform the following steps:

  • Step 1: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 44 and 66. The LCM of 44 and 66 is 1212.
  • Step 2: Convert 14 \frac{1}{4} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 1212.
    Multiply both the numerator and denominator of 14 \frac{1}{4} by 33 to get 312 \frac{3}{12} .
  • Step 3: Convert 36 \frac{3}{6} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 1212.
    Multiply both the numerator and denominator of 36 \frac{3}{6} by 22 to get 612 \frac{6}{12} .
  • Step 4: Add the equivalent fractions 312+612 \frac{3}{12} + \frac{6}{12} .
  • Step 5: Combine the numerators while keeping the common denominator: 3+612=912 \frac{3+6}{12} = \frac{9}{12} .
  • Step 6: Simplify 912 \frac{9}{12} by dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 33, resulting in 34 \frac{3}{4} .

Therefore, the sum of 14 \frac{1}{4} and 36 \frac{3}{6} is 34 \frac{3}{4} .

3

Final Answer

34 \frac{3}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find LCD of denominators before adding unlike fractions
  • Technique: Convert to common denominators: 14=312 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12} and 36=612 \frac{3}{6} = \frac{6}{12}
  • Check: Verify by simplifying final answer to lowest terms: 912=34 \frac{9}{12} = \frac{3}{4}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 14+36 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{6} as 1+34+6=410 \frac{1+3}{4+6} = \frac{4}{10} ! This ignores that fractions represent parts of different-sized wholes. Always find a common denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{3}{4}:\frac{5}{6}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the tops and bottoms separately?

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Because 14 \frac{1}{4} and 36 \frac{3}{6} represent pieces of different-sized wholes! You need to convert them to the same size pieces first, like converting quarters and sixths to twelfths.

How do I find the LCD of 4 and 6?

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List multiples of each: 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6: 6, 12, 18... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 12, so LCD = 12.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes! Always check if your answer can be simplified. Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. 912 \frac{9}{12} simplifies to 34 \frac{3}{4} because 9 ÷ 3 = 3 and 12 ÷ 3 = 4.

What if one fraction is already simplified like 3/6?

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Good eye! 36 \frac{3}{6} can be simplified to 12 \frac{1}{2} first, but you'll still need a common denominator to add. It's often easier to work with the given fractions and simplify at the end.

Can I use a different common denominator instead of the LCD?

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Yes, but the LCD makes the math easier! Using 24 instead of 12 would work: 624+1224=1824 \frac{6}{24} + \frac{12}{24} = \frac{18}{24} , but you'd have bigger numbers to work with.

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