To add the fractions $\frac{1}{3}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$, Shari needs to follow these steps:

1. Find a common denominator: The denominators are 3 and 4. The least common denominator (LCD) of 3 and 4 is 12.

2. Convert the fractions to have the common denominator:

   • For $\frac{1}{3}$, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 4:
     $\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4}{12}$
   • For $\frac{1}{4}$, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 3:
     $\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}$

3. Add the fractions: Now that both fractions have the same denominator, add the numerators: $\frac{4}{12} + \frac{3}{12} = \frac{4 + 3}{12} = \frac{7}{12}$

So, Shari’s next step is to convert both fractions to have a denominator of 12 and then add them together to get $\frac{7}{12}$.

Would you like more details on this process or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

1. How do you find the least common denominator of two fractions?
2. Can fractions with different denominators be added without converting them first?
3. What happens if the denominators are already the same?
4. How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?
5. How can you simplify fractions after adding or subtracting them?

Tip: When adding fractions, always make sure the denominators match before adding the numerators.