Adding & Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Adding Mixed Numbers It’s usually easier to do these problems if you write them vertically (up and down).

Adding Mixed Numbers Add the fractions, then add the whole numbers. Remember: make a common denominator if you need to!

Improper Fraction Oops! What if we get an improper fraction?

If we get an improper fraction - we fix it!

Subtracting Mixed Numbers It’s usually easier to do these problems if you write them vertically (up and down).

Subtracting Mixed Numbers Subtract the fractions, then subtract the whole numbers. Remember: make a common denominator if you need to!

Borrowing But, I can’t take 5 away from 1.

Borrowing You’re going to have to change the top fraction by borrowing. Borrow 1 from the 5 and change the mixed number to an improper fraction.

Borrowing Now your top fraction is big enough!

Sneaky Trick See what happened when we borrowed. We added the 7 on the bottom of the fraction to the 1 on top to make the 8. That’s one shortcut that always works!

Remember: To add or subtract mixed numbers, write them vertically. The fractions need a L.C.D. Add or subtract the fractions and then the whole numbers. If you get an improper fraction, change it to a mixed number and combine the whole numbers. If you need to borrow from the whole number, add the bottom of the fraction to the top to make the new top.