Solve: Adding Fractions 4/8 + 3/10 with Unlike Denominators

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

48+310=? \frac{4}{8}+\frac{3}{10}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply each fraction by the second denominator to find a common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Calculate the multiplications
00:26 Add under common denominator
00:33 Calculate the numerator
00:37 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

Solve the following exercise:

48+310=? \frac{4}{8}+\frac{3}{10}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding the fractions 48+310\frac{4}{8} + \frac{3}{10}, we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD) for the fractions.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the LCD.
  • Step 3: Add the numerators of these converted fractions.

Let's go through each step in detail:

Step 1: Find the least common denominator for the fractions.

The denominators are 8 and 10. The least common multiple of 8 and 10 is 40. So, the LCD is 40.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 40.

For 48\frac{4}{8}: Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 5 to convert it:

4×58×5=2040\frac{4 \times 5}{8 \times 5} = \frac{20}{40}.

For 310\frac{3}{10}: Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 4 to convert it:

3×410×4=1240\frac{3 \times 4}{10 \times 4} = \frac{12}{40}.

Step 3: Add the two fractions with the common denominator:

2040+1240=20+1240=3240\frac{20}{40} + \frac{12}{40} = \frac{20 + 12}{40} = \frac{32}{40}.

Thus, the sum of the fractions is 3240\frac{32}{40}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 3240\frac{32}{40}.

3

Final Answer

3240 \frac{32}{40}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the least common denominator before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 48 \frac{4}{8} to 2040 \frac{20}{40} by multiplying by 55 \frac{5}{5}
  • Check: Add numerators only: 2040+1240=3240 \frac{20}{40} + \frac{12}{40} = \frac{32}{40}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators together with numerators
    Don't add 48+310=718 \frac{4}{8} + \frac{3}{10} = \frac{7}{18} ! This gives a completely wrong answer because fractions need the same denominator first. Always find the LCD and convert both fractions before adding numerators only.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following:

\( \frac{5}{9}:\frac{7}{18}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the denominators like I do with the numerators?

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Because denominators represent different-sized pieces! Adding 12 \frac{1}{2} apple and 13 \frac{1}{3} apple doesn't give you 25 \frac{2}{5} apple. You need equal-sized pieces first.

How do I find the LCD of 8 and 10?

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List the multiples of each number: 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40... 10: 10, 20, 30, 40... The first number that appears in both lists is your LCD: 40.

What if I can't find the LCD easily?

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You can always multiply the denominators together (8 × 10 = 80), but the LCD gives you smaller, easier numbers to work with. Practice finding LCDs with factor trees or listing multiples.

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

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Always check if you can! 3240 \frac{32}{40} can be simplified by dividing both parts by 8 to get 45 \frac{4}{5} , which is the simplest form.

What if the fractions already have the same denominator?

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Lucky you! Just add the numerators and keep the same denominator. For example: 37+27=57 \frac{3}{7} + \frac{2}{7} = \frac{5}{7} .

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