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

Complete the following exercise:

\( \frac{3}{4}:\frac{5}{6}=\text{?} \)

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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