Add and subtract mixed numbers
key notes:
1. What is a Mixed Number?
- A mixed number consists of a whole number and a fraction.
- Example: 3×1/4 (3 is the whole number, 1/4 is the fraction).
2. Steps for Adding Mixed Numbers:
- Step 1: If the fractions have the same denominator, add the fractions first. If not, find a common denominator.
- Step 2: Add the whole numbers separately.
- Step 3: Combine the sum of the whole numbers with the sum of the fractions.
- Step 4: If the fraction sum is greater than 1, convert the improper fraction into a mixed number and add it to the whole number sum.
- Step 5: Simplify the final answer, if necessary.
3. Steps for Subtracting Mixed Numbers:
- Step 1: If the fractions have the same denominator, subtract the fractions first. If not, find a common denominator.
- Step 2: Subtract the whole numbers separately.
- Step 3: If the fraction from the second mixed number is greater than the fraction from the first mixed number, borrow 1 from the whole number and convert it into a fraction with the same denominator.
- Step 4: Combine the whole number difference with the fraction difference.
- Step 5: Simplify the final answer, if necessary.
Example:
Learn with an example
Subtract.
Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.
15 7/9 – 10 5/9 =
Subtract. Remember to subtract whole numbers from whole numbers and fractions from fractions.
15 7/9 – 10 5/9 = 5 2/9
This answer is in simplest form.
Subtract.
Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.
14 2/9 – 7 4/9 =
Subtract whole numbers from whole numbers and fractions from fractions.
14 2/9 – 7 4/9 = ?
You can’t subtract yet, because the fraction part of 7 4/9 is larger than the fraction part of 14 2/9
Rewrite 14 2/9 so that you can subtract.
14 2/9 = 13 + 9/9 + 2/9 = 13 11/9
Now subtract. Remember to subtract whole numbers from whole numbers and fractions from fractions.
13 11/9 = 7 4/9 = 6 7/9
This answer is in simplest form.
Subtract.
Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.
14 3/5 – 5 1/5 =
Subtract. Remember to subtract whole numbers from whole numbers and fractions from fractions.
14 3/5 – 5 1/5 = 9 2/5
This answer is in simplest form.
let’s practice: