To solve 1/4 + 1/3, we need a common denominator (the bottom numbers of the fractions have to be the same). We can only add or subtract fractions with common denominators.
To make the bottom numbers the same for both fractions, we need to find the least common multiple of 4 and 3. A number that both 4 and 3 go into is 12.
Next, we work individually with each fraction and convert the fractions:
- 1/4 = 3/12 (multiply numerator and denominator by 3)
- 1/3 = 4/12 (multiply numerator and denominator by 4)
To add fractions, we keep the denominator the same and add the 2 numerators.
3/12 + 4/12 = 7/12
The fraction 7/12 is in its simplest form since 7 and 12 have no common factors other than 1.
Answer: 7/12
Michele W.
06/27/25