Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/4 + 2/4 Step-by-Step

Q: Why don't I add the denominators together?

The denominator tells us the size of each piece. Since both fractions are already divided into fourths, we keep working with fourths. Adding denominators would create eighths, which changes the problem completely!

Q: What if the denominators were different?

When denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator first. But in this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (4), so we can add directly!

Q: How do I know when to simplify my answer?

$ \frac{3}{4} $ is already in simplest form because 3 and 4 share no common factors other than 1. Always check if your numerator and denominator can be divided by the same number.

Q: Can I convert this to a decimal instead?

Yes! $ \frac{3}{4} = 0.75 $, but keeping it as a fraction is often more exact and easier to work with in further calculations.

Q: What does each part of the fraction represent?

Think of it like pizza slices! $ \frac{1}{4} $ means 1 slice out of 4 total, and $ \frac{2}{4} $ means 2 slices out of 4. Together, that's 3 slices out of 4.

Adding Fractions with Same Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{1}{4}+\frac{2}{4}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Let's add the fractions under a common denominator

00:07 Let's calculate the numerator

00:11 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{1}{4}+\frac{2}{4}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

To solve this addition of fractions, we'll proceed with the following steps:

Step 1: Observe that both fractions, $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{2}{4}$ , have the same denominator 4.
Step 2: Apply the rule: Add the numerators and keep the denominator the same: $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1+2}{4}$ .
Step 3: Compute the sum of the numerators: $1 + 2 = 3$ .
Step 4: Thus, the resulting fraction is $\frac{3}{4}$ .

Therefore, the solution to the exercise $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4}$ is $\frac{3}{4}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{3}{4}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Same Denominator Rule: Add numerators, keep denominator unchanged
Addition Method: $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1+2}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$
Verification: Check that 1 + 2 = 3 and denominator stays 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding both numerators and denominators
Don't add denominators: $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} ≠ \frac{3}{8}$ ! Adding denominators changes the size of each piece. Always keep the same denominator and only add the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ $\frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I add the denominators together?

The denominator tells us the size of each piece. Since both fractions are already divided into fourths, we keep working with fourths. Adding denominators would create eighths, which changes the problem completely!

What if the denominators were different?

When denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator first. But in this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (4), so we can add directly!

How do I know when to simplify my answer?

$\frac{3}{4}$ is already in simplest form because 3 and 4 share no common factors other than 1. Always check if your numerator and denominator can be divided by the same number.

Can I convert this to a decimal instead?

Yes! $\frac{3}{4} = 0.75$ , but keeping it as a fraction is often more exact and easier to work with in further calculations.

What does each part of the fraction represent?

Think of it like pizza slices! $\frac{1}{4}$ means 1 slice out of 4 total, and $\frac{2}{4}$ means 2 slices out of 4. Together, that's 3 slices out of 4.

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