Solve: 2/3a + 1/4b + 1/8c + 1/4a = ? | Fraction Expression

Combining Like Terms with Fractions

23a+14b+18c+14a=? \frac{2}{3}a+\frac{1}{4}b+\frac{1}{8}c+\frac{1}{4}a=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the expression
00:03 Mark the appropriate variables
00:07 Use the commutative law and arrange the appropriate variables together
00:20 Multiply each fraction by the denominator of the other fraction to find the common denominator
00:27 Make sure to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:44 Collect terms, add with the common denominator
01:12 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

23a+14b+18c+14a=? \frac{2}{3}a+\frac{1}{4}b+\frac{1}{8}c+\frac{1}{4}a=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this algebraic expression problem, we proceed with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the Like Terms
  • Step 2: Combine the Like Terms
  • Step 3: Present the Final Simplified Expression

Step 1: Identify the Like Terms:
The expression given is 23a+14b+18c+14a \frac{2}{3}a + \frac{1}{4}b + \frac{1}{8}c + \frac{1}{4}a . Notice that the terms 23a \frac{2}{3}a and 14a \frac{1}{4}a are like terms involving aa.

Step 2: Combine the Like Terms:
To combine 23a \frac{2}{3}a and 14a \frac{1}{4}a , we need a common denominator. The least common denominator of 3 and 4 is 12.
Rewriting these fractions with a denominator of 12 gives: 23a=812a \frac{2}{3}a = \frac{8}{12}a , and 14a=312a \frac{1}{4}a = \frac{3}{12}a .
Adding these gives: 812a+312a=1112a \frac{8}{12}a + \frac{3}{12}a = \frac{11}{12}a .

Step 3: Present the Final Simplified Expression:
Now, substitute back the simplified terms involving aa into the expression: 1112a+14b+18c \frac{11}{12}a + \frac{1}{4}b + \frac{1}{8}c .
Therefore, the simplified expression is 1112a+14b+18c \frac{11}{12}a + \frac{1}{4}b + \frac{1}{8}c .

This matches with choice 3 in the provided options.

The final solution is: 1112a+14b+18c \frac{11}{12}a + \frac{1}{4}b + \frac{1}{8}c .

3

Final Answer

1112a+14b+18c \frac{11}{12}a+\frac{1}{4}b+\frac{1}{8}c

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Like Terms: Terms with same variable can be combined together
  • Technique: Find LCD: 23a+14a=812a+312a \frac{2}{3}a + \frac{1}{4}a = \frac{8}{12}a + \frac{3}{12}a
  • Check: Verify coefficients add correctly: 8+312=1112 \frac{8+3}{12} = \frac{11}{12}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without finding common denominator
    Don't just add numerators: 2/3 + 1/4 ≠ 3/7! This ignores different denominators and gives wrong coefficients. Always find the LCD (12) first, then convert: 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Are the expressions the same or not?

\( 20x \)

\( 2\times10x \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I add 2/3 and 1/4 directly?

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You need a common denominator to add fractions! Think of it like adding 2 thirds and 1 fourth - they're different sized pieces. Convert to 812 \frac{8}{12} and 312 \frac{3}{12} first.

How do I know which terms are like terms?

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Like terms have the exact same variable with the same exponent. Here, 23a \frac{2}{3}a and 14a \frac{1}{4}a both have just 'a', so they can be combined!

What's the fastest way to find the LCD of 3 and 4?

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List multiples of each: 3: 3, 6, 9, 12... and 4: 4, 8, 12... The first common multiple is 12. For small numbers, this is often quicker than prime factorization!

Do I combine the b and c terms too?

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No! The terms 14b \frac{1}{4}b and 18c \frac{1}{8}c have different variables (b and c), so they're not like terms and stay separate in your final answer.

Can I check my answer somehow?

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Yes! Substitute specific values like a=12, b=8, c=8 into both the original and simplified expressions. If you get the same result from both, your simplification is correct!

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