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{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's simplify the expression step by step.
00:11 First, identify and mark the important variables.
00:15 Next, use the commutative law to rearrange similar variables together.
00:27 Now, multiply each fraction by the denominator of the other fraction to get a common denominator.
00:34 Remember to multiply both numerators and denominators to maintain balance.
00:51 Then, combine like terms and add them over the common denominator.
01:19 And that's how we solve the problem! Great job!

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?

\( 18x \)

\( 2+9x \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

+

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?

+

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?

+

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?

+

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?

+

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!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Algebraic Expressions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations