How to Add Mixed Numbers

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Add the whole numbers together.

   The whole numbers are 1 and 2, so 1 + 2 =3.
2. 2

   Step 2: Find the lowest common denominator (LCD) of both fractions.The LCD is the lowest number that is evenly divisible by both numbers.

   Since the denominators of the fractions are 2 and 4, the LCD is 4, because 4 is the smallest number that is divisible by both 2 and
   4. , Before you can add the fractions, they have to have 4 as their denominator, so you have to make the fractions maintain their value while having a new base.
   
   Here's how to do it:
   Since the denominator of the fraction 1/2 has to be multiplied by 2 to get 4 as the new base, you should multiply the numerator 1 by 2 as well. 1 * 2 = 2, so the new fraction is 2/4.
   
   The fraction 2/4 = 1/2, but has been put in a larger ratio to have a larger base.
   
   This means that the numbers are equivalent fractions.
   
   They have a different base, but their value remains the same.
   
   Since the fraction 3/4 already has the base of 4, you don't have to change it. , Once you have a common denominator, the fractions can be added by simply adding the numerators. 2/4 + 3/4 = 5/4 , An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is equal to or larger than the denominator.
   
   You need to convert the improper fraction into a mixed number before you can add it to the sum of the whole numbers.
   
   Since the original problem used mixed numbers, your answer should use mixed numbers too.
   
   Here's how to do it:
   First, divide the numerator by the denominator.
   
   Do long division to divide 4 into
   5. 4 goes into 5 1 time.
   
   This means that the quotient is
   1.
   
   The remainder, or the number that is left over, is
   1.
   
   Make your quotient the new whole number.
   
   Take your remainder and place it over the original denominator to finish converting the improper fraction into a mixed number.
   
   The quotient is 1, the remainder is 1, and the original denominator was 4, so the final answer is 1 1/4. , To get your final answer, you have to add the two sums you found. 1 + 2 = 3 and 1/2 + 3/4 = 1 1/4, so 3 + 1 1/4 = 4 1/4.
3. 3

   Step 3: Convert the fractions to have the LCD as their denominator.

4. 4

   Step 4: Add the fractions.

5. 5

   Step 5: Convert any improper fractions into mixed numbers.

6. 6

   Step 6: Add the sum of the whole numbers and the sum of the fractions.

Detailed Guide

About the Author