Solve the Fraction Addition: 2/4 + 1/8 Step-by-Step

Because fractions represent parts of a whole! Adding $\frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{8}$ as 3/12 would mean adding 2 fourths to 1 eighth, which doesn't make mathematical sense. You need the same sized pieces (same denominator) to add them.

The LCD is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. Since 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 8 ÷ 8 = 1, both work perfectly. Always start with the larger denominator and check if the smaller one divides into it!

That's great thinking! You'd have $\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{8}$. The LCD of 2 and 8 is still 8, so you'd get $\frac{4}{8} + \frac{1}{8} = \frac{5}{8}$. Same answer! Simplifying first can make the work easier.

Always check if you can! In this case, $\frac{5}{8}$ cannot be simplified further because 5 and 8 share no common factors other than 1. Your answer is already in lowest terms.

Then multiply them together to find a common denominator! For example, with $\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4}$, use 12 as the common denominator since 3 × 4 = 12. You can always find the LCD by listing multiples of each denominator.