Solve the Fraction Addition: 1/4 + 3/6 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Unlike Denominators

Solve the following equation:

14+36= \frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{6}=

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 First, multiply each fraction by 3 and 2 to get a common denominator.
00:14 Remember, multiply both the top and bottom numbers.
00:25 Now, let's do the multiplication together.
00:41 Great job! That's how we solve this problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

14+36= \frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

We must first identify the lowest common denominator between 4 and 6.

In order to determine the lowest common denominator, we need to find a number that is divisible by both 4 and 6.

In this case, the common denominator is 12.

We will then proceed to multiply each fraction by the appropriate number to reach the denominator 12

We'll multiply the first fraction by 3

We'll multiply the second fraction by 2

1×34×3+3×26×2=312+612 \frac{1\times3}{4\times3}+\frac{3\times2}{6\times2}=\frac{3}{12}+\frac{6}{12}

Finally we'll combine and obtain the following:

6+312=912 \frac{6+3}{12}=\frac{9}{12}

3

Final Answer

912 \frac{9}{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 36 \frac{3}{6} to 612 \frac{6}{12}
  • Check: Verify LCD is correct: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 and 12 ÷ 6 = 2 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 1 + 3 = 4 and 4 + 6 = 10 to get 4/10! This ignores that fractions represent parts of different wholes. Always find the LCD first to make denominators the same, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Without calculating, determine whether the quotient in the division exercise is less than 1 or not:

\( 5:6= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add 1/4 + 3/6 directly?

+

You can't add fractions with different denominators because they represent different-sized pieces. It's like trying to add 1 quarter + 3 half-dollars - you need to convert to the same currency first!

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

+

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 your LCD.

Why do I multiply 1/4 by 3/3 and 3/6 by 2/2?

+

Because 33=1 \frac{3}{3} = 1 and 22=1 \frac{2}{2} = 1 ! Multiplying by 1 doesn't change the value, but it gives us equivalent fractions with the same denominator (12).

Should I simplify 3/6 to 1/2 first?

+

You can, but it's not necessary! Whether you use 36 \frac{3}{6} or 12 \frac{1}{2} , you'll get the same LCD of 12 and the same final answer.

Can I simplify 9/12 further?

+

Yes! 912=34 \frac{9}{12} = \frac{3}{4} since both 9 and 12 are divisible by 3. Always check if your final answer can be reduced to lowest terms.

What if the denominators are really big numbers?

+

The same process works! Find the LCD using prime factorization or listing multiples. Don't worry - with practice, you'll recognize common LCDs quickly.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Operations with Fractions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations