Adding fractions can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, you can simplify 3/4 + 1/8 to get the answer in its simplest form.
When you're adding fractions, you need to have the same denominator, which is the number at the bottom of the fraction. In this case, the denominators are 4 and 8. To make the denominators the same, you can find the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8.
The LCM of 4 and 8 is 8. So, you can convert the first fraction, 3/4, to have a denominator of 8 by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2.
This gives you:
3/4 = 6/8
Now you can add the two fractions:
6/8 + 1/8 = 7/8
So, the answer to 3/4 + 1/8 is 7/8.
How to Simplify Fractions
Simplifying fractions is an important skill to have, especially when you're working with fractions in math problems. Here are the steps to simplify a fraction:
- Find the greatest common divisor (GCD): The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and denominator of the fraction. You can use a calculator or a list of factors to find the GCD.
- Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD: This will give you the simplified fraction.
For example, let's simplify the fraction 12/16:
- Find the GCD: The GCD of 12 and 16 is 4.
- Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD: 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 16 ÷ 4 = 4
So, the simplified fraction is:
12/16 = 3/4
Why Simplify Fractions?
Simplifying fractions is important because it helps you to:
- Reduce the size of the fraction
- Make calculations easier
- Compare fractions more easily
- Solve math problems more efficiently
For example, if you're trying to add two fractions with large denominators, simplifying the fractions first can make the calculation much easier.
Fraction Operations
Fractions are used in many different operations in math, including:
- Addition: Adding two or more fractions together
- Subtraction: Subtracting one fraction from another
- Multiplication: Multiplying two or more fractions together
- Division: Dividing one fraction by another
Each of these operations has its own rules and steps, but simplifying fractions can make the calculations easier and more efficient.
For example, if you're trying to multiply two fractions, you need to multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together.
1/2 × 3/4 = (1 × 3) / (2 × 4) = 3/8
But if you simplify the fractions first, you can make the calculation easier:
1/2 = 2/4 3/4 = 3/4
So, the calculation becomes:
2/4 × 3/4 = (2 × 3) / (4 × 4) = 6/16
Which can be simplified to:
6/16 = 3/8
Real-World Applications of Fractions
Fractions are used in many real-world applications, including:
- Cooking: Measuring ingredients and scaling recipes
- Science: Measuring quantities and calculating ratios
- Finance: Calculating interest rates and investments
- Building: Measuring lengths and calculating areas
For example, if you're trying to scale a recipe that serves 4 people to serve 6 people, you can use fractions to calculate the ingredient quantities.
If the recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of flour, you can multiply the quantity by 6/4 to get the new quantity:
1 1/2 cups × 6/4 = 2 1/4 cups
So, you would need 2 1/4 cups of flour to serve 6 people.
In conclusion, simplifying fractions is an important skill to have, especially when you're working with fractions in math problems. By following the steps to simplify a fraction, you can reduce the size of the fraction, make calculations easier, and compare fractions more easily.
So, the next time you're faced with a fraction problem, remember to simplify the fraction first to make the calculation easier and more efficient.
What is the least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers?
+The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers. You can find the LCM by listing the multiples of each number and finding the smallest number that is common to both lists.
How do you simplify a fraction?
+To simplify a fraction, you need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and divide both numbers by the GCD. This will give you the simplified fraction.
What are some real-world applications of fractions?
+Fractions are used in many real-world applications, including cooking, science, finance, and building. They are used to measure quantities, calculate ratios, and solve problems.