Adding Fractions: 1/3 + 1/4 + 1/8
In this article, we will explore how to add three fractions: 1/3, 1/4, and 1/8. We will discuss the step-by-step process to find the sum of these fractions and simplify the result.
Step 1: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)
To add these fractions, we need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators: 3, 4, and 8. The LCM is the smallest number that all the denominators can divide into evenly.
The LCM of 3, 4, and 8 is 24. So, we can rewrite each fraction with a denominator of 24:
- 1/3 = 8/24
- 1/4 = 6/24
- 1/8 = 3/24
Step 2: Add the Fractions
Now that we have rewritten each fraction with a denominator of 24, we can add them:
(8/24) + (6/24) + (3/24) = 17/24
Simplifying the Result
Our final answer is 17/24. This fraction is in its simplest form, as the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 17 and 24 is 1.
Therefore, the sum of 1/3, 1/4, and 1/8 is 17/24.
Conclusion
In this article, we have added three fractions: 1/3, 1/4, and 1/8. By finding the LCM of the denominators, rewriting each fraction, and adding them together, we arrived at the final answer of 17/24.