Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions
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Quick Definition: A Mixed Fraction is a
whole number and a fraction combined,
such as 1 3/4. |
| 1 3/4 |
| (one and three-quarters) |
To make it easy to add and subtract them, just convert to Improper Fractions first:
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Quick Definition: An Improper fraction has a
top number larger than or equal to
the bottom number,
such as 7/4 or 4/3
(It is "top-heavy") |
| 7/4 |
| (seven-fourths or seven-quarters) |
Adding Mixed Fractions
I find this is the best way to add mixed fractions:
Example: What is 2 3/4 + 3 1/2 ?
Convert to Improper Fractions:
2 3/4 = 11/4
3 1/2 = 7/2
Common denominator of 4:
11/4 stays as 11/4
7/2 becomes 14/4
Now Add:
11/4 + 14/4 = 25/4
Convert back to Mixed Fractions:
25/4 = 6 1/4
Subtracting Mixed Fractions
Just follow the same method, but subtract instead of add:
Example: What is 15 3/4 - 8 5/6 ?
Convert to Improper Fractions:
15 3/4 = 63/4
8 5/6 = 53/6
Common denominator of 12:
63/4 becomes 189/12
53/6 becomes 106/12
Now Subtract:
189/12 - 106/12 = 83/12
Convert back to Mixed Fractions:
83/12 = 6 11/12
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