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]

 


 

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Duane Habecker, Created with GeoGebra

 

See how addition can be demonstrated using the area model.

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]