Solve the Fraction Addition: 3/4 + 1/8 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

34+18=? \frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{8}=\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 So we multiply by 2 for the common denominator 8
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:17 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:21 Add under common denominator
00:27 Calculate the numerator
00:30 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:

34+18=? \frac{3}{4}+\frac{1}{8}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll employ the following steps:

  • Step 1: Find a common denominator for the fractions.
  • Step 2: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to a fraction with the new denominator.
  • Step 3: Add the two fractions.
  • Step 4: Simplify if necessary.

Now, let's go through the process:

Step 1: The problem is 34+18 \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{8} . The least common denominator (LCD) for 4 and 8 is 8.

Step 2: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to a fraction with a denominator of 8. To do this, multiply both the numerator and the denominator of 34 \frac{3}{4} by 2:

34=3×24×2=68 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{6}{8} .

Step 3: Now, add the two fractions with the same denominator:

68+18=6+18=78 \frac{6}{8} + \frac{1}{8} = \frac{6+1}{8} = \frac{7}{8} .

Step 4: The fraction 78 \frac{7}{8} is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, the solution to this problem is 78 \frac{7}{8} .

3

Final Answer

78 \frac{7}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCD of denominators before adding fractions
  • Conversion: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to 68 \frac{6}{8} by multiplying by 2
  • Check: Verify 68+18=78 \frac{6}{8} + \frac{1}{8} = \frac{7}{8} is in simplest form ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators separately
    Don't add 34+18 \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{8} as 3+14+8=412 \frac{3+1}{4+8} = \frac{4}{12} ! This treats fractions like ratios and gives wrong results. Always find a common denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{2}{4}+\frac{1}{4}= \)\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the numerators and denominators directly?

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Fractions represent parts of a whole. Adding 34+18 \frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{8} means combining 3 fourths with 1 eighth - you need the same-sized pieces first!

How do I find the least common denominator quickly?

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Look for the larger denominator first. If the smaller number divides evenly into it (like 4 into 8), then the larger number is your LCD!

What if both fractions need to be converted?

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That's normal! For example, with 13+14 \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4} , you'd convert both to twelfths: 412+312 \frac{4}{12} + \frac{3}{12} .

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes! Always check if your answer can be simplified. Divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor to get the simplest form.

What if my answer is an improper fraction?

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Improper fractions are fine, but you might want to convert to a mixed number. For example, 98=118 \frac{9}{8} = 1\frac{1}{8} .

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