To add fractions, you need to get them to have the same bottom number, called the denominator. Here’s a simple way to do that:

1. Look at the Denominators: Check the bottom numbers of the fractions. For example, with $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{6}$, the denominators are 4 and 6.

2. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD): This is the smallest number that both denominators can fit into. For 4 and 6, the LCD is 12.

3. Change Each Fraction:

   • For $\frac{1}{4}$, you multiply the top and bottom numbers by 3: $\frac{1 \cdot 3}{4 \cdot 3} = \frac{3}{12}$
   • For $\frac{1}{6}$, you multiply by 2: $\frac{1 \cdot 2}{6 \cdot 2} = \frac{2}{12}$

4. Add the Fractions: Now that both fractions have the same bottom number, you can add them together: $\frac{3}{12} + \frac{2}{12} = \frac{5}{12}$

And that’s all there is to it!