Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/3 + 4/9 Step by Step

Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! Adding $\frac{1}{3}$ + $\frac{4}{9}$ is like adding 1 piece of a 3-slice pizza to 4 pieces of a 9-slice pizza. You need the same-sized pieces first!

List the multiples: 3 → 3, 6, 9, 12... and 9 → 9, 18, 27... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 9, so LCD = 9.

You'll get the wrong answer! If you use 18 instead of 9, you get $\frac{6}{18} + \frac{8}{18} = \frac{14}{18}$. This equals $\frac{7}{9}$ when simplified, but it's extra work.

Yes, always simplify! Check if the numerator and denominator share common factors. Since 7 and 9 share no common factors, $\frac{7}{9}$ is already simplified.

Lucky you! Like $\frac{4}{9}$ in this problem - it stays the same. Only convert the other fraction. This saves time and reduces errors.

You can, but it's unnecessary work. Converting $\frac{4}{9}$ to $\frac{8}{18}$ gives the same result but creates bigger numbers to work with.