Fractions – How Do I Add Mixed Numbers?

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    When fractions are presented as mixed numbers such as 2½ and 1¼, it is easier to add them in two parts. 

     So when we add 2½ + 1¼, we start off by adding the whole numbers (or integers) 2+1=3.

     Then, we add the fractions.

½ + ¼ = ¾

     We combine the whole number 3, with the new fraction ¾, and the answer is 3¾.

     We can also change the mixed number into an improper fraction.

3¾ becomes

                4 x 3 = 12

               12 + 3 = 15

                15

            4

Let’s review the steps we took:

1.    First add the whole numbers (integers) in the mixed fractions.

2.    Add the fractions (you must know how to find a common denominator).

3.    Combine the new mixed number with the new fraction.

If you wish to convert the new mixed number into an improper fraction, you must:

1.    Multiply the denominator by the mixed number (e.g. 4 x the big 3)

2.    Add the result of the denominator x the mixed number (which was 12) to the numerator (little 3) to get 15.

3.    Present the fraction over the original denominator (4).

It is important for students to be proficient at finding common denominators and changing mixed numbers into improper fractions before learning to add mixed numbers.

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Tutorgiant.com provides complete Fractions lessons with worksheets.

See some of the lessons in our video library.

FRACTIONS - Lesson (A) Introduction to Fractions (Grades 1-2)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (B) Fractions of Sets (Grade 3)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (C) Comparing Fractions (Grade 3)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (D) Equivalent (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (E) Equivalent (Numerical) (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (F) Changing Fractions to Decimals (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (G) Changing Decimals into Fractions (Grades 4-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (H) Comparing (Grade 5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (H2) Comparing Fractions Using the Bowtie Method (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (I) Adding (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (I2) Adding Fractions Using the Bowtie Method (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (J) Subtracting (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (J2) Subtracting Improper Fractions (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (K) Ordering from Least to Greatest (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (L) Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (M) Comparing Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Gr 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (N) Changing Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (O) Comparing Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (P) Fractions, Ratios, Decimals, and Percents (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (Q) Adding and Subtracting Using Equivalent Fractions (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (R) Adding Mixed Numbers (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (S) Subtracting Mixed Numbers from Whole Numbers (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (T) Dividing Fractions Using Reciprocals (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (U) Multiplying Mixed Numbers (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (V) Dividing Fractions Using Equivalent Fractions and Common Denominators (7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (W) Fractions and Order of Operations (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (Y) Fractions of Fractions (Grade 7)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (Z) Multiplying Fractions (Grades 7-8)

VARIABLES - Lesson (B) Equations with Fractions (Grade 9)

PROBABILITY - Lesson (E) Using Fractions to Describe Probabilities (Grade 4-5)

PROBABILITY - Lesson (J) Comparing Probabilities (Grades 7-8)

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 Learn'Em Good - Fractions and Decimals - by Stuart Ackerman MSc.Ed.,B.A.

Easy to Use Lessons and Worksheets to Help Improve Your Grade 1-8 Child's Fraction and Decimal Skills