Solve the Fraction Addition: 4/6 + 1/8 Step-by-Step

Fraction Addition with Different Denominators

46+18= \frac{4}{6}+\frac{1}{8}=

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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 We'll multiply each fraction by 4 and 3 respectively, to find the common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:19 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:28 Let's add under the common denominator
00:35 Let's calculate the numerator
00:38 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

46+18= \frac{4}{6}+\frac{1}{8}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the addition of the fractions 46+18 \frac{4}{6} + \frac{1}{8} , we will first find the least common denominator.

  • The denominators of the fractions are 6 and 8. To add these fractions, we need a common denominator.
  • Calculate the least common multiple (LCM) of 6 and 8:
    • Prime factorization of 6: 6=2×3 6 = 2 \times 3 .
    • Prime factorization of 8: 8=23 8 = 2^3 .
    • The LCM will take the highest power of each prime that appears in these factorizations: 23×3=24 2^3 \times 3 = 24 .
  • Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with 24 as the denominator:
    • Convert 46 \frac{4}{6} : Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 4 (since 246=4 \frac{24}{6} = 4 ): 4×46×4=1624\frac{4 \times 4}{6 \times 4} = \frac{16}{24}.
    • Convert 18 \frac{1}{8} : Multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3 (since 248=3 \frac{24}{8} = 3 ): 1×38×3=324\frac{1 \times 3}{8 \times 3} = \frac{3}{24}.
  • Now, add these two fractions:
    • 1624+324=16+324=1924\frac{16}{24} + \frac{3}{24} = \frac{16 + 3}{24} = \frac{19}{24}.

Thus, the sum of the fractions 46 \frac{4}{6} and 18 \frac{1}{8} is 1924\frac{19}{24}.

The correct choice from the available options is 1924\frac{19}{24}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1924 \frac{19}{24} .

3

Final Answer

1924 \frac{19}{24}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCM of denominators before adding fractions
  • Technique: Convert 46 \frac{4}{6} to 1624 \frac{16}{24} and 18 \frac{1}{8} to 324 \frac{3}{24}
  • Check: Verify 16+324=1924 \frac{16+3}{24} = \frac{19}{24} cannot be simplified further ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators together
    Don't add 46+18=514 \frac{4}{6} + \frac{1}{8} = \frac{5}{14} ! Adding denominators creates a completely wrong fraction with no mathematical meaning. Always find the LCM to create equivalent fractions with the same denominator first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{4}\times\frac{3}{2}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add 4+1 and 6+8 directly?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 46 \frac{4}{6} means 4 parts out of 6, while 18 \frac{1}{8} means 1 part out of 8. You need the same-sized pieces (common denominator) to add them.

How do I find the LCM of 6 and 8 quickly?

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List multiples: 6: 6, 12, 18, 24... and 8: 8, 16, 24... The first number that appears in both lists is 24. Or use prime factorization: 6=2×3 6 = 2 \times 3 and 8=23 8 = 2^3 , so LCM = 23×3=24 2^3 \times 3 = 24 .

What if the LCM seems too big?

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Don't worry! Large denominators are normal when adding fractions. The LCM of 6 and 8 is 24, which gives us 1924 \frac{19}{24} . Always check if your final answer can be simplified by finding common factors.

How do I know if my final fraction is in simplest form?

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Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. For 1924 \frac{19}{24} , since 19 is prime and doesn't divide 24, it's already simplified!

Can I reduce the fractions before adding them?

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Yes! 46=23 \frac{4}{6} = \frac{2}{3} first, then find LCM of 3 and 8 (which is 24). You'll get: 23=1624 \frac{2}{3} = \frac{16}{24} and 18=324 \frac{1}{8} = \frac{3}{24} , giving the same answer!

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