Solve 4/5 + 1/5: Adding Fractions with Same Denominators

Q: Why don't I add the denominators too?

The denominator tells you the size of each piece. Since both fractions have pieces of the same size (fifths), you're just counting how many pieces you have total. Adding denominators would change the piece size!

Q: What if my answer is an improper fraction?

That's perfectly normal! In this case, $ \frac{5}{5} $ equals exactly 1 whole. Always simplify improper fractions to mixed numbers or whole numbers when possible.

Q: How do I know when to simplify my answer?

Always check if your numerator and denominator have common factors. If the numerator equals the denominator (like $ \frac{5}{5} $), it simplifies to 1!

Q: What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first before adding. But since these fractions already have the same denominator (5), you can add them directly.

Fraction Addition with Same Denominators

$\frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:06 Let's solve the problem together!

00:09 First, we'll color the right number of squares using the data given.

00:19 Next, we'll count each colored square. Add these to the top number. This makes the numerator.

00:25 The bottom number, or denominator, is how many cells we divided in total.

00:30 Remember, any number divided by itself equals one.

00:35 And that's how we solve the problem! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem, we'll proceed with the following steps:

Step 1: Ensure the fractions have the same denominator.
Step 2: Add the numerators while keeping the common denominator.
Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction if needed.

Now, let's execute these steps:

Step 1: Both fractions, $\frac{4}{5}$ and $\frac{1}{5}$ , have the denominator 5.
Step 2: Add the numerators: $4 + 1 = 5$ . Keep the common denominator: $\frac{5}{5}$ .
Step 3: Simplify the fraction $\frac{5}{5}$ . Since the numerator and denominator are the same, this simplifies to 1.

Therefore, the answer is $1$ .

Final Answer

$1$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: When denominators are equal, add only the numerators
Technique: $\frac{4}{5} + \frac{1}{5} = \frac{4+1}{5} = \frac{5}{5}$
Check: Simplify the result: $\frac{5}{5} = 1$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding both numerators and denominators
Don't add $\frac{4}{5} + \frac{1}{5} = \frac{5}{10}$ ! This creates a completely different fraction with wrong value. Always keep the common denominator unchanged and add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ $\frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I add the denominators too?

The denominator tells you the size of each piece. Since both fractions have pieces of the same size (fifths), you're just counting how many pieces you have total. Adding denominators would change the piece size!

What if my answer is an improper fraction?

That's perfectly normal! In this case, $\frac{5}{5}$ equals exactly 1 whole. Always simplify improper fractions to mixed numbers or whole numbers when possible.

How do I know when to simplify my answer?

Always check if your numerator and denominator have common factors. If the numerator equals the denominator (like $\frac{5}{5}$ ), it simplifies to 1!

What if the denominators were different?

Then you'd need to find a common denominator first before adding. But since these fractions already have the same denominator (5), you can add them directly.

Can I use the visual diagram to check my work?

Absolutely! The diagram shows 5 equal sections. If 4 sections plus 1 section are shaded, that's all 5 sections - which represents 1 whole rectangle.

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