Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers
1. Adding mixed numbers:
Mixed numbers may be added in two
ways.
• You may add the whole numbers to get the whole number
portion of your answer and then add the proper fractions to get
the fraction part of your answer. Sometimes the fraction part
turns out to be an improper fraction. When this happens, you
must convert the improper fraction to a mixed number and then
add the result to the whole number part of your sum.
• You may convert all mixed numbers to improper fractions, add
the improper fractions, and then convert back to a mixed
number if you wish.
Example:
Method 1:
Method 2 :
2. Subtracting mixed numbers:
Mixed numbers may be subtracted in
several ways.
• You may change all mixed numbers to improper fractions, then
subtract. This method always works.
• You may subtract the whole numbers, and subtract the proper
fractions. This method is problematic if the second fraction is
larger than the first. When this happens, you must use a
borrowing technique before you can subtract.
Example:
Method 1:
Method 2 :
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