Calculate -1/4 + 3/4

Step by step

The question

Question: work out −1/4 + 3/4.

1 Add the tops

The bottoms are the same, so the pieces are the same size.

We add the tops.

The bottom stays 4, because the size of the pieces does not change.

−1 plus 3 is 2.

2 Simplify

Both 2 and 4 can be divided by 2.

That makes it simpler.

So it is 1/2.

Can we make it simpler?

No number goes into both 1 and 2, except 1.

So it stays like this.

So the answer is 1/2.

Let's look back.

First: add the tops.

Last: simplify.