Solve the Fraction Addition: Finding the Missing Addend in 1/4 + ? = 3/4

Q: Why do I subtract instead of add to find the missing fraction?

Think of it like a puzzle! If you know one piece ($ \frac{1}{4} $) and the whole picture ($ \frac{3}{4} $), you need to remove the known piece to see what's missing.

Q: What if the fractions have different denominators?

Great question! You'd need to find a common denominator first, then subtract. Luckily, in this problem both fractions already have the same denominator (4), making it easier!

Q: Can I simplify 2/4 to 1/2?

Yes, you absolutely can! $ \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} $ when simplified. However, since the answer choices show $ \frac{2}{4} $, that's the form they want you to recognize.

Q: How can I double-check my answer?

Simple! Add your answer to the given fraction: $ \frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} $. If you get $ \frac{3}{4} $, you're correct!

Q: Is there a pattern I can use for these problems?

Yes! For any equation like A + ? = B, the missing piece always equals B - A. So $ \frac{1}{4} + ? = \frac{3}{4} $ means ? = $ \frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} $.

Fraction Addition with Missing Addends

Complete the missing fraction

$\frac{1}{4}+_—=\frac{3}{4}$

What is the missing fraction?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Find the unknown

00:04 According to the calculation, we know that the denominator of the unknown equals the given denominator

00:08 Let's find the number that completes the numerator to the result's numerator

00:12 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Complete the missing fraction

$\frac{1}{4}+_—=\frac{3}{4}$

What is the missing fraction?

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the sum and known fraction in the equation $\frac{1}{4} + x = \frac{3}{4}$ .
Step 2: Subtract the known fraction from the total sum to find the missing fraction.
Step 3: Simplify the result to express the missing fraction clearly.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: We are given that $\frac{1}{4} + x = \frac{3}{4}$ . Here, $x$ represents the missing fraction.

Step 2: To isolate $x$ , we subtract $\frac{1}{4}$ from both sides of the equation:

$x = \frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4}$

Step 3: Perform the subtraction. Since both fractions have the same denominator, subtract the numerators:

$\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3 - 1}{4} = \frac{2}{4}$

Therefore, the missing fraction is $\frac{2}{4}$ , which is one of the given answer choices.

Final Answer

$\frac{2}{4}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: To find missing addend, subtract known fraction from sum
Technique: Same denominators: $\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2}{4}$
Check: Verify by adding: $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{4}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding instead of subtracting to find missing addend
Don't add $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{4}{4}$ to find the missing piece! This gives you the wrong fraction and doesn't solve the original equation. Always subtract the known addend from the sum to find what's missing.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ $\frac{4}{5}+\frac{1}{5}=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I subtract instead of add to find the missing fraction?

Think of it like a puzzle! If you know one piece ( $\frac{1}{4}$ ) and the whole picture ( $\frac{3}{4}$ ), you need to remove the known piece to see what's missing.

What if the fractions have different denominators?

Great question! You'd need to find a common denominator first, then subtract. Luckily, in this problem both fractions already have the same denominator (4), making it easier!

Can I simplify 2/4 to 1/2?

Yes, you absolutely can! $\frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}$ when simplified. However, since the answer choices show $\frac{2}{4}$ , that's the form they want you to recognize.

How can I double-check my answer?

Simple! Add your answer to the given fraction: $\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4}$ . If you get $\frac{3}{4}$ , you're correct!

Is there a pattern I can use for these problems?

Yes! For any equation like A + ? = B, the missing piece always equals B - A. So $\frac{1}{4} + ? = \frac{3}{4}$ means ? = $\frac{3}{4} - \frac{1}{4}$ .

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