What is 1/4 plus 5/8?
1/4 plus 5/8 equals 7/8 (or 0.875 in decimal form). Learn the step-by-step solution to add 1/4 and 5/8 using Least Common Denominator and simplification.
Exact Answer
1/4 + 5/8 = 7/8
Simplified Fraction
7/8
Mixed Number
Proper (7/8)
Decimal Value
0.875
Percentage
87.5%
Step-by-Step Solution: 1/4 + 5/8
Step 1
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
Notice that 8 is an exact multiple of 4 (4 × 2 = 8). The Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply 8, meaning we only need to scale one fraction.
LCD(4, 8) = 8
Step 2
Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 8
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/4 by 2, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 5/8 by 1 so both fractions share the common base 8.
1 × 2/4 × 2 = 2/8 and 5 × 1/8 × 1 = 5/8
Step 3
Add the Numerators
Now add the numerators (2 + 5 = 7) and keep the common denominator 8 unchanged.
2 + 5/8 = 7/8
Step 4
Check if the Fraction Can Be Simplified
The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 7 and 8 is 1, confirming that 7/8 cannot be reduced further—it is already in its simplest irreducible form.
7/8
Step 5
Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator 7 by denominator 8 yields an exact terminating decimal of 0.875 (or 87.5%).
7 ÷ 8 = 0.875 (87.5%)
Visual Representation
The diagram below illustrates 1/4 plus 5/8 visually:
+
=
Summary & Alternative Representations
| Property / Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Terms Fraction | 7/8 |
| Mixed Number Form | 7/8 |
| Decimal Form | 0.875 |
| Percentage | 87.5% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1/4 plus 5/8 as a fraction?
1/4 + 5/8 in simplest fraction form is 7/8.
What is 1/4 plus 5/8 as a decimal?
1/4 + 5/8 converted to a decimal is 0.875.
What is 1/4 plus 5/8 as a percentage?
1/4 + 5/8 expressed as a percentage is 87.5%.
Does 1/4 plus 5/8 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?
It results in an exact terminating decimal (0.875) because the denominator in simplest terms contains only prime factors 2 and/or 5.