Solve: Adding Fractions 3/4 + 1/6 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Unlike Denominators

34+16= \frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{6}=

❤️ 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
00:04 Let's solve this problem together.
00:07 First, we need to find the least common denominator.
00:11 We will multiply each fraction by three and two, to find the common denominator.
00:17 Remember, multiply both the numerator and the denominator.
00:26 Now, let's calculate the products.
00:31 Think about adding under the common denominator.
00:37 Let's calculate the new numerator.
00:40 And that's how we find the answer. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

34+16= \frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding the fractions 34\frac{3}{4} and 16\frac{1}{6}, we need to find a common denominator.

  • Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators:
    The denominators are 4 and 6. The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator:
    - Convert 34\frac{3}{4} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12. To do this, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3:
    34=3×34×3=912\frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{9}{12}.
    - Convert 16\frac{1}{6} to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12. Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 2:
    16=1×26×2=212\frac{1}{6} = \frac{1 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{2}{12}.
  • Step 3: Add the fractions:
    Now that both fractions have the same denominator, add the numerators:
    912+212=1112\frac{9}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{11}{12}.
  • Step 4: Simplify if necessary:
    The fraction 1112\frac{11}{12} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the problem 34+16\frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{6} is 1112\frac{11}{12}.

3

Final Answer

1112 \frac{11}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the LCM of denominators before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to 912 \frac{9}{12} by multiplying by 33 \frac{3}{3}
  • Check: Verify 912+212=1112 \frac{9}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{11}{12} and simplify if needed ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 34+16 \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{6} as 3+14+6=410 \frac{3+1}{4+6} = \frac{4}{10} ! This completely ignores fraction rules and gives a wrong answer. Always find a common denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{3}{4}:\frac{5}{6}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add 3+1 and 4+6?

+

Fractions represent parts of a whole. Adding 34+16 \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{6} means combining 3 fourths with 1 sixth - you need equal-sized pieces first!

How do I find the LCM of 4 and 6?

+

List multiples: 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6: 6, 12, 18, 24... The first number that appears in both lists is 12, so LCM = 12.

What if my answer is bigger than 1?

+

That's called an improper fraction! 1112 \frac{11}{12} is less than 1, but if you got 1312 \frac{13}{12} , you could convert it to 1112 1\frac{1}{12} .

Do I always need to simplify my answer?

+

Yes, always check if your answer can be simplified! Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. Since 11 and 12 share no common factors, 1112 \frac{11}{12} is already simplified.

Can I use a different common denominator?

+

You could use any common multiple like 24 or 36, but using the least common denominator (LCM) keeps your numbers smaller and easier to work with!

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Operations with Fractions 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