Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/4 + 1/8 Step by Step

To solve the problem of adding the fractions $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{8}$, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Identify the denominators: 4 and 8. We need a common denominator to add the fractions.
• Step 2: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8. The smallest number that both 4 and 8 can divide is 8, so our common denominator will be 8.
• Step 3: Convert $\frac{1}{4}$ to a fraction with denominator 8. To do this, multiply both the numerator and the denominator of $\frac{1}{4}$ by 2:
• $\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{2}{8}$
• Step 4: Now add the fractions: $\frac{2}{8} + \frac{1}{8}$.
• Since the fractions now have the same denominator, add the numerators: $2 + 1 = 3$, while keeping the denominator 8.
• The result is $\frac{3}{8}$.
• Step 5: Ensure the fraction is in its simplest form. The fraction $\frac{3}{8}$ is already simplified, as 3 and 8 have no common factors other than 1.

Therefore, the sum of $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{8}$ is $\frac{3}{8}$.

Once we compare this with the given answer choices, we find that our final result, $\frac{3}{8}$, matches choice 1.

Hence, the correct answer to the problem is $\frac{3}{8}$.