Arithmetic Grade Six

Lesson One Hundred-six: Adding Mixed Numbers


Adding mixed numbers with unlike denominators is a little more complicated than any of the other operations we've seen so far simply because there are more steps involved.
Sample Problem: 3 1/5 + 2 1/4.
Step One: Find lowest common denominator (LCD). The LCD of 5 and 4 is 20.
Step Two: Convert fractions. Change 1/5 to 4/20 and 1/4 to 5/20.
Step Three: Add whole numbers. 3 4/20 + 2 5/20 = 5 + 4/20 + 5/20.
Step Four: Add the fractions. 5 + 9/20.
Step Five: Reduce the fraction (if necessary) 5 9/20.
ANSWER: 5 9/20.
Here's another example:
Sample Problem: 1 2/9 + 2 2/7.
Step One: Find LCD. The LCD of 9 and 7 is 63.
Step Two: Convert fractions. Change 2/9 to 14/63 and change 2/7 to 18/63.
Step Three: Add whole numbers. 1 14/63 + 2 18/63 = 3 + 14/63 + 18/63.
Step Four: Add the fractions. 3 + 32/63.
Step Five: Reduce the fraction (if necessary) 3 32/63.
ANSWER: 3 32/63.


Now you get to try a few for yourself.

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