Adding Unlike Fractions: Calculate 1/2 Plus 3/8

To solve this problem, we need to add the fractions $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{3}{8}$.

• Step 1: Convert $\frac{1}{2}$ to a fraction with a denominator of 8. We do this by determining the equivalent fraction $\frac{1}{2} = \frac{4}{8}$. We achieve this by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 4.
• Step 2: Now, add the fractions $\frac{4}{8}$ and $\frac{3}{8}$: $\frac{4}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{4 + 3}{8} = \frac{7}{8}$ This step involves adding the numerators while keeping the common denominator.

Therefore, the sum of $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{3}{8}$ is $\frac{7}{8}$.