1. The problem is to understand and work with fractions. 2. A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as $\frac{a}{b}$ where $a$ is the numerator and $b$ is the denominator. 3. Important rules: - To add or subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator. - To multiply fractions, multiply numerators and denominators directly. - To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor. 4. Example: Add $\frac{2}{3}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$. 5. Find a common denominator: $3 \times 4 = 12$. 6. Convert fractions: $\frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{8}{12}$ and $\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}$. 7. Add numerators: $8 + 3 = 11$. 8. Result: $\frac{11}{12}$. 9. This fraction cannot be simplified further. 10. So, $\frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{11}{12}$. This process applies similarly to other fraction operations.