Solve the Fraction Addition: 7/12 + 3/4 Step by Step

Fraction Addition with Unlike Denominators

712+34= \frac{7}{12}+\frac{3}{4}=

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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 Therefore multiply by 3 to get the common denominator 12
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:18 Calculate the multiplications
00:26 Add under the common denominator
00:30 Calculate the numerator
00:34 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:39 Remember to divide both numerator and denominator
00:43 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

712+34= \frac{7}{12}+\frac{3}{4}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of adding the fractions 712\frac{7}{12} and 34\frac{3}{4}, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Find a common denominator.

  • Step 2: Convert 34\frac{3}{4} to an equivalent fraction with the denominator 1212.

  • Step 3: Add the numerators of the fractions.

  • Step 4: Simplify the resultant fraction if possible.

Now, let's perform the calculations:

Step 1: The denominator 1212 is already a common denominator for 712\frac{7}{12}, but we need to convert 34\frac{3}{4} to have the same denominator. Since 4×3=124 \times 3 = 12, multiply both the numerator and the denominator of 34\frac{3}{4} by 33:

34=3×34×3=912 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{9}{12}

Step 2: Now, add 712\frac{7}{12} and 912\frac{9}{12}:

712+912=7+912=1612 \frac{7}{12} + \frac{9}{12} = \frac{7+9}{12} = \frac{16}{12}

Step 3: Simplify 1612\frac{16}{12} by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 44:

1612=16÷412÷4=43 \frac{16}{12} = \frac{16 \div 4}{12 \div 4} = \frac{4}{3}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 43 \frac{4}{3} , which corresponds to choice 4.

3

Final Answer

43 \frac{4}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Denominator: Find LCD before adding fractions with different denominators
  • Conversion: Transform 34 \frac{3}{4} to 912 \frac{9}{12} by multiplying by 3
  • Simplify: Reduce 1612 \frac{16}{12} to 43 \frac{4}{3} using GCD = 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators instead of finding common denominator
    Don't add 712+34=1016 \frac{7}{12} + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{10}{16} ! This creates a meaningless result because you can't add fractions with different denominators. Always convert to the same denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \)\( \frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the least common denominator between 12 and 4?

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Since 12 is already a multiple of 4 (4 × 3 = 12), the LCD is simply 12. You only need to convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to twelfths!

Why can't I just add 7 + 3 = 10 and keep one denominator?

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Because fractions represent parts of different-sized wholes. Adding 712+34 \frac{7}{12} + \frac{3}{4} is like adding 7 pizza slices from a 12-slice pizza to 3 slices from a 4-slice pizza - you need equal-sized pieces first!

How do I know when to simplify my answer?

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Always check if you can simplify! Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of numerator and denominator. For 1612 \frac{16}{12} , GCD is 4, so divide both by 4.

What does it mean that my answer is greater than 1?

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An improper fraction like 43 \frac{4}{3} just means your sum is greater than one whole. You could also write it as 113 1\frac{1}{3} (mixed number).

Can I use a different common denominator instead of 12?

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Yes, but using the least common denominator (LCD) keeps numbers smaller and makes calculations easier. Any common multiple of 4 and 12 would work, but 12 is the most efficient choice.

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