How do you figure out this fraction? 1/2+1/4=

1 Answer
Steve J.
Mar 8, 2018

The sum of those 2 fractions is #3/4#.

Explanation:

We are starting with #1/2 + 1/4#.

If both fractions had 4 as the denominator, we would be in good shape. We need a "common denominator".

OK, one of the algebra rules is that if you multiply both top and bottom of a fraction by the same value, no change in value happens. So let's take that #1/2# and play with it.

If you multiply both top and bottom of the fraction by 2, it becomes
#(2*1)/(2*2) = 2/4#

That algebra rule that I paraphrased says that no change in value happened when we did that. So now we have

#2/4 + 1/4 = (2+1)/4 = 3/4#

I hope this helps,
Steve

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