\( 1 / 2 \) of the students in an art class are currently painting with watercolors. Another \( 1 / 4 \) of them are painting with oil paints. What fraction of the students in the art class are painting, whether with watercolors or oil paints? Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number. of the students

To find the total fraction of students painting, we need to add the fractions of students using watercolors and oil paints. The fraction of students painting with watercolors is \( \frac{1}{2} \), and the fraction painting with oil paints is \( \frac{1}{4} \). To add these fractions, we first need a common denominator. The least common denominator of 2 and 4 is 4. Now, convert \( \frac{1}{2} \) to have a denominator of 4: \( \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4} \). Next, add the two fractions: \( \frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4} \). Thus, \( \frac{3}{4} \) of the students in the art class are painting, whether with watercolors or oil paints.