Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/3 + 1/4 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Unlike Denominators

13+14= \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}=

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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 each fraction by the other denominator to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Calculate the multiplications
00:26 Add under the common denominator
00:32 Calculate the numerator
00:35 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

13+14= \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll begin by finding a common denominator for the fractions 13 \frac{1}{3} and 14 \frac{1}{4} .
Step 1: Identify the denominators, which are 3 and 4. Multiply these to get a common denominator: 3×4=12 3 \times 4 = 12 .

Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator of 12.

  • To convert 13 \frac{1}{3} to a denominator of 12, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 4: 1×43×4=412\frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4}{12}.
  • To convert 14 \frac{1}{4} to a denominator of 12, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3: 1×34×3=312\frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}.

Step 3: Add the resulting fractions: 412+312=4+312=712\frac{4}{12} + \frac{3}{12} = \frac{4 + 3}{12} = \frac{7}{12}.

Thus, the sum of 13 \frac{1}{3} and 14 \frac{1}{4} is 712\frac{7}{12}.

3

Final Answer

712 \frac{7}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator to add fractions with different bottoms
  • Technique: Convert 13 \frac{1}{3} to 412 \frac{4}{12} and 14 \frac{1}{4} to 312 \frac{3}{12}
  • Check: Verify 712 \frac{7}{12} cannot simplify further since 7 and 12 share no common factors ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 13+14 \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4} as 27 \frac{2}{7} ! This ignores that fractions represent parts of different-sized wholes. 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 1+1=2 and 3+4=7?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 13 \frac{1}{3} means 1 part out of 3, while 14 \frac{1}{4} means 1 part out of 4. You need equal-sized pieces first.

How do I find the common denominator?

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Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For 3 and 4, you can multiply them: 3×4=12 3 \times 4 = 12 . Or list multiples: 3, 6, 9, 12 and 4, 8, 12.

Do I always multiply the denominators together?

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Not always! For 14+18 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{8} , the LCM is 8, not 32. Only multiply when denominators share no common factors, like 3 and 4.

What if my answer looks different from the choices?

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Check if your fraction can be simplified! 612 \frac{6}{12} simplifies to 12 \frac{1}{2} . But 712 \frac{7}{12} is already in lowest terms since 7 and 12 share no common factors.

Why is my answer smaller than both original fractions?

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That's impossible when adding! 712 \frac{7}{12} is larger than both 13 \frac{1}{3} and 14 \frac{1}{4} . If your sum is smaller, you likely made an error in conversion or addition.

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