What is 1/2 + 1/8?

Here's how you add

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

Since 2 is evenly divided by 8, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then we multiply 2 by 4 and get 8.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

4 + 1 = 5

Now we have an answer.

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 1/2 + 1/8