Question

Add and express the sum in simplest form:

$\frac{3}{8}+\frac{1}{8}=\_\_\_$

Answer 1

• Step 1: As these are the like fractions, add the numerators and write the sum over the common denominator.

$\frac{3}{8}+\frac{1}{8}=\frac{3+1}{8}=\frac{4}{8}$

• Step 2: It can be observed that $2$ is the common factor of $4$ and $8$. Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor $2$.

$\frac{4÷2}{8÷2}=\frac{2}{4}$

• Step 3: Again, there is a common factor of $2$ and $4$ that is $2$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{2}{4}$ by $2$.

$\frac{2÷2}{4÷2}=\frac{1}{2}$

• Hence, the simplest form of $\frac{4}{8}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$.