Final answer:
To add fractions, you need a common denominator. Rewrite the fractions with a common denominator, add their numerators, and keep the common denominator. The resulting fraction is the answer in its lowest terms.
Step-by-step explanation:
To add fractions, we need to have a common denominator. The common denominator for 1/4 and 3/8 is 8. So, we need to rewrite 1/4 and 3/8 with a denominator of 8.
1/4 can be rewritten as 2/8, since multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2 gives the equivalent fraction.
3/8 remains the same.
Now, we can add the fractions: 2/8 + 3/8 = 5/8.
The answer, 5/8, is already in its lowest terms, so it cannot be further reduced.