To add fractions, follow these steps:

1. Find a common denominator: The first step in adding fractions is to make sure they have a common denominator. This is the number that appears in the denominator of both fractions. If the fractions already have a common denominator, you can skip this step. If not, you need to find a common denominator by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the two denominators.
2. Convert the fractions: Once you have a common denominator, you need to convert the fractions so that they have the same denominator. To do this, multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the same factor that will make the denominators equal.
3. Add the numerators: Once you have two fractions with the same denominator, you can add them by adding the numerators (the top numbers) and keeping the denominator (the bottom number) the same.
4. Simplify the fraction: If possible, simplify the fraction by reducing it to its lowest terms.

Example: Let’s say you want to add 1/4 and 3/8.

1. Find a common denominator: The least common multiple of 4 and 8 is 8, so the common denominator is 8.
2. Convert the fractions: To convert 1/4 to have a denominator of 8, you need to multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2: (1/4) x (2/2) = 2/8. To convert 3/8 to have a denominator of 8, you don’t need to do anything.
3. Add the numerators: 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8
4. Simplify the fraction: 5/8 is already in its lowest terms, so the final answer is 5/8.