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ADDING MIXED FRACTIONS

We used fraction bars to add simple fractions. Now, we’ll use them to add mixed fractions with like and unlike denominators. The fraction bars have helped us understand adding mixed fractions.

We’ll also look at adding mixed fractions with like and unlike denominators without the fraction bars.

Write fraction answers using the form in these examples.
Example 1: two-thirds is written as 2/3.
Example 2: five and three fourths is written as 5 3/4.

Fraction Bars

Look over these fraction strips. Each strip represents 1 whole.

1 = 2 halves, 3 thirds, 4 fourths, 5 fifths, 6 sixths, and so on.

Thus, 1 = 2/2 = 3/3 = 4/4 = 5/5 = 6/6 and so on…

Adding Mixed Fractions with Like Denominators Using Fraction Bars

Study the two addition problems below. To add mixed fractions with the same denominator, add the fractions and the whole numbers. When needed, simplify the fraction and combine it with the whole number.

Adding Mixed Fractions with Like Denominators

Example 1: Find 5 1/6 + 3 5/6. Simplify, if necessary.

Example 2: Find 3/4 + 8. Simplify, if necessary.

Adding Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators Using Fraction Bars

Adding Mixed Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Below are additional educational resources and activities for this unit.

Click on the icon to find and practice topics for this unit.

Unit 10 Adding Mixed Fractions Worksheet