Fraction addition is the process of adding two or more fractions together to obtain a single fraction as the sum. To add fractions, the following steps are typically followed:

1. Ensure that the denominators (bottom numbers) of all the fractions being added are the same. If they are not the same, find a common denominator by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

2. Once the denominators are the same, add the numerators (top numbers) of the fractions together.

3. Write the sum of the numerators over the common denominator obtained in step 1.


4. Simplify the fraction, if necessary, by reducing it to its simplest form.

For example, let's add the fractions 1/4 and 3/8:

Step 1: The least common multiple of 4 and 8 is 8. So, we need to rewrite both fractions so that they have a denominator of 8.

1/4 = 2/8 (multiplying numerator and denominator by 2)
3/8 = 3/8 (no changes needed)

Step 2: Now, add the numerators together:

2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8

Step 3: The sum of the numerators (5) goes over the common denominator (8):

Sum = 5/8

Step 4: The fraction 5/8 is already in its simplest form, so no further simplification is needed.

Therefore, the sum of 1/4 and 3/8 is 5/8.