There are 3 Simple Steps to add fractions:

Step 1: Make sure the bottom numbers (the denominators) are the same

Step 2: Add the top numbers (the numerators). Put the answer over the the same denominator as in step 1

Step 3: Simplify the fraction.

Example 1:

Step 1. The bottom numbers are already the same. Go straight to step 2.

Step 2. Add the top numbers and put the answer over the same denominator:

1	+	1	=	1 + 1	=	2
4		4		4		4

 

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

2	=	1
4		2

 

(If you are unsure of the last step see the equivalent fractions page)

 
 

Example 2:

 

1	+	1
3		6

Step 1. The bottom numbers are now different. We need to make them the same:

 

1	=	2
3		6

 

Step 2. Add the top numbers and put them over the same denominator:

 

2	+	1	=	2 + 1	=	3
6		6		6		6

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

 

3	=	1
6		2