# What is 1/2 + 3/8?

Sep 19, 2015

$\frac{7}{8}$

#### Explanation:

The solve the calculation, both numerator and denominator of $\frac{1}{2}$ is multiplied by $4$ so that its denominator is equal to $8$. And the
you can solve directly the calculation;

$= \left(\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{4}\right) + \frac{3}{8}$

$= \frac{4}{8} + \frac{3}{8}$

$= \frac{7}{8}$

Sep 19, 2015

The answer is $\frac{7}{8}$.

#### Explanation:

In order to add fractions, the denominators must be the same.

$\frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{8}$

Find the least common denominator by prime factorization.

$2 : \textcolor{red}{2}$

$8 : \textcolor{red}{2} , \textcolor{b l u e}{2} , \textcolor{b l u e}{2}$

To determine the least common denominator (LCD), multiply the common factor $\textcolor{red}{2}$ times the other factors in blue.

LCD$=$$\textcolor{red}{2} \times \textcolor{b l u e}{2} \times \textcolor{b l u e}{2} = 8$

Multiply $\frac{1}{2}$ times $\frac{4}{4}$ so that it will have a denominator of $8$.

$\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{4} + \frac{3}{8} =$

$\frac{4}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{7}{8}$