**Correct Option: B (1)** ### Step-by-Step Explanation To find the sum of the fractions \( \frac{3}{8} \) and \( \frac{5}{8} \), we follow these steps: 1. **Identify the Denominators**: Both fractions have the same denominator, which is 8. This is important because when adding fractions, if the denominators are the same, we can simply add the numerators. 2. **Add the Numerators**: We add the numerators of the two fractions: \[ 3 + 5 = 8 \] 3. **Keep the Denominator the Same**: Since the denominators are the same, we keep the denominator as 8: \[ \frac{3}{8} + \frac{5}{8} = \frac{8}{8} \] 4. **Simplify the Fraction**: The fraction \( \frac{8}{8} \) can be simplified. Since the numerator and denominator are equal, this fraction equals 1: \[ \frac{8}{8} = 1 \] Thus, the sum of \( \frac{3}{8} \) and \( \frac{5}{8} \) is \( 1 \). ### Why the Other Options are Incorrect - **Option A: \( \frac{1}{2} \)** - This option is incorrect because \( \frac{1}{2} \) is equivalent to \( \frac{4}{8} \). The sum \( \frac{3}{8} + \frac{5}{8} \) exceeds \( \frac{4}{8} \), so this option does not represent the correct sum. - **Option C: \( \frac{8}{8} \)** - While this option is technically correct in terms of the fraction we calculated, it is not the final answer in the context of the question. The question asks for the sum in its simplest form, which is \( 1 \). Therefore, while \( \frac{8}{8} \) is equal to \( 1 \), it is not the most concise answer. - **Option D: \( \frac{1}{4} \)** - This option is incorrect because \( \frac{1}{4} \) is equivalent to \( \frac{2}{8} \). The sum \( \frac{3}{8} + \frac{5}{8} \) is much larger than \( \frac{2}{8} \), making this option invalid. ### Summary of Key Points - When adding fractions with the same denominator, simply add the numerators and keep the denominator. - The sum of \( \frac{3}{8} \) and \( \frac{5}{8} \) is \( \frac{8}{8} \), which simplifies to \( 1 \). - Always simplify fractions to their lowest terms when providing final answers. - Be cautious of options that may seem correct but do not represent the simplest form of the answer. This thorough understanding of adding fractions will help you tackle similar problems in the future!