Solve Fraction Addition: 1/4 + 2/6 Step-by-Step Solution

The LCD (Least Common Denominator) is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. You need it because you can only add fractions when they have the same denominator - like adding $\frac{3}{12} + \frac{4}{12}$.

List the multiples of each number: 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6: 6, 12, 18... The first number that appears in both lists is 12, so that's your LCD!

Because $\frac{3}{3} = 1$ and $\frac{2}{2} = 1$! Multiplying by 1 doesn't change the value of the fraction, just its appearance. This lets us change how the fraction looks without changing what it equals.

Yes! You could simplify $\frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{3}$ first, then find LCD of 4 and 3 (which is 12). You'll get the same answer: $\frac{3}{12} + \frac{4}{12} = \frac{7}{12}$.

Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. Since 7 is prime and doesn't divide 12, $\frac{7}{12}$ is already in lowest terms!

Any common multiple works, but using the least one keeps numbers smaller and easier to work with. If you used 24, you'd get $\frac{6}{24} + \frac{8}{24} = \frac{14}{24}$, which simplifies to $\frac{7}{12}$ anyway!