Adding Mixed Numbers
Example:
3 1/8 + 2 3/8
If you have a problem with fractions that already have common denominators you are in good shape!!
Add the two whole numbers, then add the numerators of the fractions and simplify the fraction if you can.
Example Answer: 5 4/8, simplified would be 5 1/2
Example 2:
2 5/6 + 1 3/9
Add the whole numbers: 2+1 = 3
Get common denominators for the fractions. I can multiply 5/6 by 3 to get 15/18. I can multiply 3/9 by 2 to get 6/18. 15/18 + 6/18 = 21/18. This is improper. I divide 21 by 18 and get 1 3/18. I then add the whole number one to the 3 I got earlier. The answer then equals 4 3/18. I can simplify the fraction by 3, so the final answer is
4 1/6.
Example:
3 1/8 + 2 3/8
If you have a problem with fractions that already have common denominators you are in good shape!!
Add the two whole numbers, then add the numerators of the fractions and simplify the fraction if you can.
Example Answer: 5 4/8, simplified would be 5 1/2
Example 2:
2 5/6 + 1 3/9
Add the whole numbers: 2+1 = 3
Get common denominators for the fractions. I can multiply 5/6 by 3 to get 15/18. I can multiply 3/9 by 2 to get 6/18. 15/18 + 6/18 = 21/18. This is improper. I divide 21 by 18 and get 1 3/18. I then add the whole number one to the 3 I got earlier. The answer then equals 4 3/18. I can simplify the fraction by 3, so the final answer is
4 1/6.