Solve Fraction Addition: 3/8 + 5/12 Step-by-Step

To solve the problem of adding $\frac{3}{8}$ and $\frac{5}{12}$, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 8 and 12. The LCM of 8 and 12 is 24.
• Step 2: Convert the fractions to have the common denominator 24.
  To convert $\frac{3}{8}$ to a denominator of 24:
  Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3: $\frac{3 \times 3}{8 \times 3} = \frac{9}{24}$.
• Step 3: Convert $\frac{5}{12}$ to a denominator of 24:
  Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2: $\frac{5 \times 2}{12 \times 2} = \frac{10}{24}$.
• Step 4: Add the fractions $\frac{9}{24} + \frac{10}{24}$.
  Since they share the same denominator, add the numerators: $9 + 10 = 19$.
• Step 5: The sum is $\frac{19}{24}$. There is no need to simplify further, as 19 and 24 have no common factors other than 1.

Thus, the fraction $\frac{3}{8} + \frac{5}{12}$ simplifies to $\frac{19}{24}$.