Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/4 + 2/6 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

14+26=? \frac{1}{4}+\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Multiply each fraction by the second denominator to find a common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Calculate the multiplications
00:28 Add under common denominator
00:34 Calculate the numerator
00:38 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

Solve the following exercise:

14+26=? \frac{1}{4}+\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine the least common denominator of 4 and 6.
  • Step 2: Convert each fraction to this common denominator.
  • Step 3: Add the numerators and form the resultant fraction.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The denominators are 4 and 6. The least common multiple of 4 and 6 is 12.

Step 2: Convert each fraction to have the denominator 12.
For 14\frac{1}{4}, multiplying the numerator and denominator by 3 gives 1×34×3=312\frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}.
For 26\frac{2}{6}, multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2 gives 2×26×2=412\frac{2 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{4}{12}.

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

Step 4: Check if 712\frac{7}{12} can be simplified. Since 7 and 12 have no common factors other than 1, it is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the sum of 14+26\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{6} is 712\frac{7}{12}.

3

Final Answer

712 \frac{7}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find the least common denominator before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 14 \frac{1}{4} to 312 \frac{3}{12} and 26 \frac{2}{6} to 412 \frac{4}{12}
  • Check: Verify 312+412=712 \frac{3}{12} + \frac{4}{12} = \frac{7}{12} and simplify if possible ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators together
    Don't add 14+26=310 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{3}{10} ! Adding both numerators AND denominators gives completely wrong answers. Always find a common denominator first, then add only the numerators while keeping the same denominator.

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 the numerators and denominators separately?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 14 \frac{1}{4} means 1 part out of 4, while 26 \frac{2}{6} means 2 parts out of 6. You need to make the wholes the same size first.

How do I find the least common denominator of 4 and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6: 6, 12, 18... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 12, so that's your LCD!

What if my answer comes out as an improper fraction?

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That's okay! In this problem, 712 \frac{7}{12} is already a proper fraction. But if you get something like 1512 \frac{15}{12} , you can convert it to a mixed number or leave it as an improper fraction.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes, always check! Look for common factors between the numerator and denominator. Since 7 and 12 share no common factors except 1, 712 \frac{7}{12} is already in simplest form.

What's the easiest way to convert fractions to the same denominator?

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Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number. For 14 \frac{1}{4} , multiply both by 3 to get 312 \frac{3}{12} . For 26 \frac{2}{6} , multiply both by 2 to get 412 \frac{4}{12} .

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