Add -1/4 + 3/8. Write your answer in simplest form.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to add two fractions, -1/4 and 3/8, and express the result in its simplest form. The focus is on performing the addition and simplifying the fraction as needed.
Answer
The result of adding the fractions is $\frac{1}{8}$.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is $\frac{1}{8}$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify a common denominator
To add the fractions $-\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{3}{8}$, we need a common denominator. The denominators here are 4 and 8. The least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 8 is 8.
- Convert the first fraction
We need to convert $-\frac{1}{4}$ to have a denominator of 8. To do that, we multiply the numerator and the denominator by 2:
$$ -\frac{1}{4} = -\frac{1 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = -\frac{2}{8} $$
- Add the fractions
Now that both fractions have the same denominator, we can add them:
$$ -\frac{2}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{-2 + 3}{8} = \frac{1}{8} $$
- Simplify the result
The fraction $\frac{1}{8}$ is already in its simplest form.
The final answer is $\frac{1}{8}$.
More Information
The process of adding fractions requires finding a common denominator, converting the fractions, and then combining them. In this case, the result was straightforward since $\frac{1}{8}$ is already in its simplest form.
Tips
- Forgetting to find a common denominator, which is crucial for adding fractions.
- Failing to convert both fractions properly before performing the addition.
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