One way to add mixed numbers is to add the wholes and the fractions separately. For 2 1/4 + 1 2/3, the wholes make 3. The fractions need a common denominator: 1/4 + 2/3 = 3/12 + 8/12 = 11/12. So the answer is 3 11/12.
If the fractions add up to more than 1, carry the extra whole. Another way is to turn both mixed numbers into improper fractions, add them and change back. Both methods give the same answer.
Worked example
1 1/2 + 2 3/4 =
- Wholes: 1 + 2 = 3. Fractions: 1/2 + 3/4 = 2/4 + 3/4 = 5/4.
- 5/4 = 1 1/4, so 3 + 1 1/4 = 4 1/4.
Answer:4 1/4
Key words
- mixed number
- a whole number and a fraction
- improper fraction
- a fraction greater than 1
- regroup
- turn extra parts into a whole
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 5.NF.A.1