Adding Fractions with Different Denominators: 3/8 and 1/4

To solve the problem of adding $\frac{3}{8}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$, we'll follow these steps:

• Step 1: Determine the Least Common Denominator (LCD).
• Step 2: Convert fractions to the common denominator.
• Step 3: Add the fractions.

Let's work through each step:
Step 1: The denominators are 8 and 4. The LCD of 8 and 4 is 8, as 8 is the smallest number that both 8 and 4 divide into without a remainder.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator 8.
- The fraction $\frac{3}{8}$ already has the denominator 8.
- Convert $\frac{1}{4}$ to a fraction with denominator 8: $\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{2}{8}$.

Step 3: Add the fractions $\frac{3}{8}$ and $\frac{2}{8}$:
The sum is $\frac{3 + 2}{8} = \frac{5}{8}$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{5}{8}$.