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

Fractions represent parts of a whole. You can only add parts that are the same size! $\frac{2}{4}$ uses fourths while $\frac{1}{2}$ uses halves - they're different sized pieces.

Look for the smallest number both denominators divide into evenly. Since 4 ÷ 2 = 2 exactly, the number 4 works perfectly as our common denominator.

$\frac{2}{4}$ already has denominator 4, so we multiply by $\frac{1}{1}$ (which equals 1). This doesn't change the value: $\frac{2 \times 1}{4 \times 1} = \frac{2}{4}$

Yes! You could simplify $\frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}$ first, then add $\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{2} = 1$. Both methods work perfectly!

That's fine! But always check if you can convert to a mixed number or whole number. Here, $\frac{4}{4} = 1$ whole, which looks much cleaner.