Adding Fractions: 1/4 + 1/3 + 1/8
In this article, we will explore how to add three fractions together: 1/4, 1/3, and 1/8. We will go through the step-by-step process of adding these fractions and find the resulting fraction.
Step 1: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)
The first step in adding fractions is to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. The denominators in this case are 4, 3, and 8. To find the LCM, we need to list the multiples of each denominator:
- Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, ...
- Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ...
- Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, ...
The first number that appears in all three lists is 24, so the LCM is 24.
Step 2: Convert Each Fraction to Have the LCM as the Denominator
Now, we need to convert each fraction to have a denominator of 24:
- 1/4 = 6/24
- 1/3 = 8/24
- 1/8 = 3/24
Step 3: Add the Fractions
Now that all the fractions have the same denominator, we can add them:
- 6/24 + 8/24 + 3/24 = 17/24
The Resulting Fraction
The resulting fraction is 17/24.
Therefore, the sum of 1/4, 1/3, and 1/8 is 17/24.
