Fraction Addition: 1/2 Cup + 1/4 Cup = 3/4 Cup
When working with fractions in real-world applications, it's essential to know how to add them correctly. In this article, we'll explore the concept of adding fractions, specifically focusing on the equation 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup = 3/4 cup.
Understanding Fractions
Before diving into the calculation, let's quickly review what fractions are and how they work. A fraction represents a part of a whole, consisting of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). In this case, our fractions are:
- 1/2 cup (one half cup)
- 1/4 cup (one quarter cup)
Adding Fractions with Like Denominators
To add fractions, we need to have like denominators, which means the denominators of both fractions must be the same. In our case, we have different denominators: 2 and 4. To overcome this, we can find the least common multiple (LCM) of 2 and 4, which is 4. This allows us to rewrite our fractions with the same denominator:
- 1/2 cup = 2/4 cup (multiply numerator and denominator by 2)
- 1/4 cup = 1/4 cup (no change needed)
Performing the Addition
Now that we have like denominators, we can add the fractions by adding the numerators (the numbers on top) and keeping the same denominator:
- 2/4 cup + 1/4 cup = 3/4 cup
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding fractions with different denominators requires finding the least common multiple to rewrite the fractions with like denominators. By doing so, we can successfully add the fractions to find the result: 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup = 3/4 cup. This fundamental concept is crucial in various mathematical and real-world applications.
