Add unlike fractions by naming equal-sized parts.
The denominator names the size of each part. Before adding, rewrite both fractions using a common denominator so the parts are comparable.
3/4 + 1/8 becomes 6/8 + 1/8 = 7/8.
Adding both numerators and denominators gives 4/12, but that changes the size of the parts and does not represent the original sum.
Short self-check: What is 2/3 + 1/6?Show reasoning
Rewrite 2/3 as 4/6. Then 4/6 + 1/6 = 5/6.


