What is the sum of 1/2 +1/4? Use the fraction strip to help
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To solve the sum of ( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{4} ), we first need to understand how to add fractions. Adding fractions involves finding a common denominator and then adding the numerators. Let’s walk through the steps, and we’ll also visualize the process using fraction strips.
Step 1: Find a Common Denominator
The fractions we are adding are ( \frac{1}{2} ) and ( \frac{1}{4} ). The denominators are 2 and 4. The least common denominator (LCD) is 4 because it is the smallest number that both 2 and 4 divide into.
Step 2: Convert the Fractions to Have the Same Denominator
We need to rewrite ( \frac{1}{2} ) so that it has the denominator of 4. To do this, multiply both the numerator and denominator of ( \frac{1}{2} ) by 2:
[
\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 2}{2 \times 2} = \frac{2}{4}
]
Now, we have two fractions with the same denominator: ( \frac{2}{4} ) and ( \frac{1}{4} ).
Step 3: Add the Fractions
Now that the fractions have the same denominator, we can add them by adding their numerators:
[
\frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2 + 1}{4} = \frac{3}{4}
]
Step 4: Visualize with Fraction Strips
Fraction strips can help visualize how the fractions fit together. Imagine a strip divided into 4 equal parts. One part represents ( \frac{1}{4} ). If you take 2 of these parts, you have ( \frac{2}{4} ), which represents ( \frac{1}{2} ). Then, if you add one more part, ( \frac{1}{4} ), you get a total of ( \frac{3}{4} ).
Conclusion
The sum of ( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{4} ) is ( \frac{3}{4} ). By converting fractions to have a common denominator and adding the numerators, we can arrive at this result. Using fraction strips helps visualize how the parts combine to form the whole.