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

Fraction Addition with Unlike Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

14+46=? \frac{1}{4}+\frac{4}{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 We want to find the least common denominator
00:06 Therefore we'll multiply by 3, by 2 respectively for the common denominator 12
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:20 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:27 Add under common denominator
00:32 Calculate the numerator
00:37 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+46=? \frac{1}{4}+\frac{4}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding 14+46 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{4}{6} , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD):
    The denominators are 4 and 6. The least common multiple of 4 and 6 is 12.
  • Step 2: Convert Each Fraction:
    - Convert 14 \frac{1}{4} to a fraction with a denominator of 12:
    14=1×34×3=312 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}
    - Convert 46 \frac{4}{6} to a fraction with a denominator of 12:
    46=4×26×2=812 \frac{4}{6} = \frac{4 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{8}{12}
  • Step 3: Add the Fractions:
    Now, add the fractions: 312+812=3+812=1112 \frac{3}{12} + \frac{8}{12} = \frac{3 + 8}{12} = \frac{11}{12}
  • Step 4: Simplify the Fraction (if needed):
    The fraction 1112 \frac{11}{12} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1112 \frac{11}{12} .

3

Final Answer

1112 \frac{11}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find LCD to add fractions with different denominators
  • Technique: Convert 14=312 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12} and 46=812 \frac{4}{6} = \frac{8}{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 14+46 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{4}{6} as 1+44+6=510 \frac{1+4}{4+6} = \frac{5}{10} ! This gives the wrong answer because you can't add fractions without common denominators. Always find the LCD first, then convert both fractions before adding.

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

How do I find the LCD of 4 and 6?

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List the multiples of each number: 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... and 6: 6, 12, 18, 24... The smallest number that appears in both lists is 12, so that's your LCD!

Why can't I just add 1+4 and 4+6?

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Because 14 \frac{1}{4} and 46 \frac{4}{6} represent different-sized pieces! You need same-sized pieces (same denominator) before you can add them together.

What if my LCD calculation gives me a huge number?

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Double-check your work! The LCD should be the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. For 4 and 6, it's definitely 12, not 24 or higher.

Do I need to simplify the final answer?

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Always check! In this case, 1112 \frac{11}{12} cannot be simplified further because 11 and 12 share no common factors other than 1.

Can I use a different common denominator instead of the LCD?

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Yes, but it makes more work! You could use 24 instead of 12, but you'd get 624+1624=2224 \frac{6}{24} + \frac{16}{24} = \frac{22}{24} , which simplifies to the same answer but with extra steps.

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