Solve the Fraction Addition: 3/4 + 1/8

Q: Why can't I just add 3/4 + 1/8 directly?

You can only add fractions when they have the same denominator! Think of it like adding different units - you can't add 3 quarters + 1 eighth without converting them first.

Q: Do I always multiply the first fraction?

Not always! You only multiply fractions that don't already have the LCD. Since $ \frac{1}{8} $ already has denominator 8, we multiply it by 1 (no change needed).

Q: Can this answer be simplified further?

$ \frac{7}{8} $ is already in lowest terms because 7 and 8 share no common factors except 1. Always check if your final answer can be reduced!

Fraction Addition with Common Denominators

Solve the following equation:

$\frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{8}=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:05 Let's solve this problem together!

00:08 First, multiply the fraction by two. This helps us find a common denominator.

00:14 Remember, multiply both the numerator and the denominator.

00:19 Now, let's calculate these multiplications.

00:23 Add the fractions using the common denominator.

00:29 And that's how we solve this question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

$\frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{8}=$

Step-by-step solution

We must first identify the lowest common denominator between 4 and 8.

In order to determine the lowest common denominator, we need to find a number that is divisible by both 4 and 8.

In this case, the common denominator is 8.

We'll then proceed to multiply each fraction by the appropriate number to reach the denominator 8.

We'll multiply the first fraction by 2

We'll multiply the second fraction by 1

$\frac{3\times2}{4\times2}+\frac{1\times1}{8\times1}=\frac{6}{8}+\frac{1}{8}$

Finally we'll combine and obtain the following:

$\frac{6+1}{8}=\frac{7}{8}$

Final Answer

$\frac{7}{8}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

LCD Rule: Find lowest common denominator to add fractions properly
Technique: Convert $\frac{3}{4}$ to $\frac{6}{8}$ by multiplying by 2
Check: Verify $\frac{6}{8} + \frac{1}{8} = \frac{7}{8}$ by adding numerators ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding denominators together
Don't add denominators like 4 + 8 = 12 to get $\frac{4}{12}$ ! This breaks the fraction rule and gives completely wrong answers. Always find the LCD first, then add only the numerators while keeping the common denominator unchanged.

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 3/4 + 1/8 directly?

You can only add fractions when they have the same denominator! Think of it like adding different units - you can't add 3 quarters + 1 eighth without converting them first.

How do I find the LCD of 4 and 8?

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

Do I always multiply the first fraction?

Not always! You only multiply fractions that don't already have the LCD. Since $\frac{1}{8}$ already has denominator 8, we multiply it by 1 (no change needed).

Can this answer be simplified further?

$\frac{7}{8}$ is already in lowest terms because 7 and 8 share no common factors except 1. Always check if your final answer can be reduced!

What if I got 6/8 as my answer?

That means you forgot to add the second fraction! Remember: $\frac{6}{8} + \frac{1}{8} = \frac{6+1}{8} = \frac{7}{8}$ . Always add all the numerators together.

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