1. Find the Common Denominator: The denominators are 3 and 4. The least common multiple of 3 and 4 is 12.

2. Convert the fractions:

   • For $\frac{1}{3}$: $\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4}{12}$
   • For $\frac{1}{4}$: $\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}$

3. Add the Numerators: $\frac{4}{12} + \frac{3}{12} = \frac{4 + 3}{12} = \frac{7}{12}$

4. Simplify the Result: The result $\frac{7}{12}$ is already in its simplest form.

Thus, $\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{7}{12}$.

Key Questions

• What is a common denominator?
• How do you find the least common multiple of two numbers?
• Why is it necessary to convert fractions to the same denominator before adding them?

Keywords

• fractions
• Common Denominator
• Adding fractions
• Least Common Multiple
• Simplifying fractions