What is 1/4 plus 1/2?
1/4 plus 1/2 equals 3/4 (or 0.75 in decimal form). Learn the step-by-step solution to add 1/4 and 1/2 using Least Common Denominator and simplification.
Exact Answer
1/4 + 1/2 = 3/4
Simplified Fraction
3/4
Mixed Number
Proper (3/4)
Decimal Value
0.75
Percentage
75%
Step-by-Step Solution: 1/4 + 1/2
Step 1
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
Notice that 4 is an exact multiple of 2 (2 × 2 = 4). The Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply 4, meaning we only need to scale one fraction.
LCD(4, 2) = 4
Step 2
Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 4
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/4 by 1, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/2 by 2 so both fractions share the common base 4.
1 × 1/4 × 1 = 1/4 and 1 × 2/2 × 2 = 2/4
Step 3
Add the Numerators
Now add the numerators (1 + 2 = 3) and keep the common denominator 4 unchanged.
1 + 2/4 = 3/4
Step 4
Check if the Fraction Can Be Simplified
The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 3 and 4 is 1, confirming that 3/4 cannot be reduced further—it is already in its simplest irreducible form.
3/4
Step 5
Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator 3 by denominator 4 yields an exact terminating decimal of 0.75 (or 75%).
3 ÷ 4 = 0.75 (75%)
Visual Representation
The diagram below illustrates 1/4 plus 1/2 visually:
+
=
Summary & Alternative Representations
| Property / Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Terms Fraction | 3/4 |
| Mixed Number Form | 3/4 |
| Decimal Form | 0.75 |
| Percentage | 75% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1/4 plus 1/2 as a fraction?
1/4 + 1/2 in simplest fraction form is 3/4.
What is 1/4 plus 1/2 as a decimal?
1/4 + 1/2 converted to a decimal is 0.75.
What is 1/4 plus 1/2 as a percentage?
1/4 + 1/2 expressed as a percentage is 75%.
Does 1/4 plus 1/2 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?
It results in an exact terminating decimal (0.75) because the denominator in simplest terms contains only prime factors 2 and/or 5.