Solve Fraction Addition: 3/4 + 3/8 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Common Denominators

34+38= \frac{3}{4}+\frac{3}{8}=

❤️ 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
00:00 Solve
00:03 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Multiply by 2 to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:12 Calculate the multiplications
00:20 Add under the common denominator
00:27 Calculate the numerator
00:30 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

34+38= \frac{3}{4}+\frac{3}{8}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding 34 \frac{3}{4} and 38 \frac{3}{8} , let's follow a systematic approach:

  • Step 1: Identify the Common Denominator
    The denominators are 4 and 8. The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8 is 8. Thus, 8 will be our common denominator.
  • Step 2: Convert Fractions to Common Denominator
    The fraction 34 \frac{3}{4} needs to be converted to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 8. To do this, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 2: 34=3×24×2=68 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{6}{8} .
    The fraction 38 \frac{3}{8} already has a denominator of 8, so it remains the same: 38 \frac{3}{8} .
  • Step 3: Add the Fractions
    With a common denominator, add the numerators while keeping the denominator the same: 68+38=6+38=98 \frac{6}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{6 + 3}{8} = \frac{9}{8} .
  • Step 4: Simplify the Fraction if Necessary
    The fraction 98 \frac{9}{8} is already in its simplest form, but it is an improper fraction. If desired, it can be expressed as a mixed number: 118 1 \frac{1}{8} . However, 98 \frac{9}{8} as a fraction suffices for this problem.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 98 \frac{9}{8} .

3

Final Answer

98 \frac{9}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before adding fraction numerators together
  • Technique: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to 68 \frac{6}{8} by multiplying by 22 \frac{2}{2}
  • Check: Verify 68+38=98 \frac{6}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{9}{8} equals 1.125 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 3+3=6 and 4+8=12 to get 612 \frac{6}{12} = wrong answer! This violates fraction addition rules and gives incorrect results. 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 the top numbers and bottom numbers?

+

Fractions represent parts of a whole, so you need the same-sized parts (same denominator) to add them. Adding 34+38 \frac{3}{4} + \frac{3}{8} is like adding 3 quarters + 3 eighths - you can't combine them until they're the same type!

How do I find the common denominator?

+

Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For 4 and 8: multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12... and multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24... So LCM = 8.

Do I always use the bigger denominator?

+

Not always! For 16+14 \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{4} , neither 6 nor 4 works as a common denominator. You'd need LCM = 12. Always find the smallest number that both denominators divide into.

Should I convert my answer to a mixed number?

+

It depends on what the problem asks for! 98 \frac{9}{8} can be written as 118 1\frac{1}{8} , but both forms are correct. Keep it as an improper fraction unless specifically told to convert.

What if my answer can be simplified?

+

Always check if you can reduce your fraction to lowest terms! Find the GCD of numerator and denominator and divide both by it. In this case, 98 \frac{9}{8} is already in simplest form since 9 and 8 share no common factors.

🌟 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