When adding mixed numbers, we can start by adding the whole numbers, then adding the fractions. For example:
1 1/4 + 2 1/4
This means the same as 1 + 1/4 + 2 + 1/4
So I can start by adding my whole numbers, 1 + 2 = 3
Then add my fractions, 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4
2/4 can be simplified to 1/2
So I end up with 3 1/2
The same thing happens if I add numbers with unlike denominators. For example:
1 1/4 + 2 1/3
This is the same as 1 + 1/4 + 2 + 1/3
I can start by adding my whole numbers: 1 + 2 = 3
Then add my fractions: 1/4 + 1/3
This time I need to find my lowest common denominator between 3 and 4. The lowest common denominator is 12, so I end up with:
3/12 + 4/12 = 7/12
Then I add my whole number back in to get:
3 7/12
Watch the following video for further explanation and examples.
Click the link below to practice adding mixed numbers.