Adding fractions

It is a three-step process to add two mixed numbers.

$$2\frac{1}{3}\,+\,1\frac{3}{4}\,=$$

Rename fractions with a common denominator $$2\frac{4}{12}\,+\,1\frac{9}{12}\,=$$
Add whole numbers and numerators. Do NOT add denominators! $$3\frac{13}{12}$$
Simplify: reduce and rename $$3\,+\,1\frac{1}{12}\,=\,4\frac{1}{12}$$

 

Now you try it on this problem.

$$5\frac{1}{3}\,+\,1\frac{1}{2}\,=$$

Rename fractions with a common denominator

[show answer]

Add whole numbers and numerators. Do NOT add denominators!

[show answer]

Simplify: reduce and rename

[show answer]

Click here for the

 


 

Directions:

  1. Use the sliders at the bottom to build the problem.
  2. Slide point A onto point B to see how to rename the fractions with a common denominator (not necessarily the lowest common denominator).
  3. Once you think you understand how to add fractions, try it on paper first, and then check your answer with the applet.

 

 

Sorry, the GeoGebra Applet could not be started. Please make sure that Java 1.4.2 (or later) is installed and active in your browser (Click here to install Java now)

Duane Habecker, Created with GeoGebra

 

For more practice with fractions, please try this Fraction Calculator.

 


Self-Check


Q1: $\,\,\,\,\,5\frac{2}{3}\,+\,2\frac{1}{4}\,=\,\,\,$ [show answer]


Q2: $\,\,\,\,\,5\frac{1}{3}\,+\,1\frac{1}{2}\,=\,\,\,$ [show answer]


Q3: $\,\,\,\,\,8\frac{4}{5}\,+\,2\frac{2}{3}\,=\,\,\,$ [show answer]