What Are Mixed Numbers?
Mixed numbers combine whole numbers and fractions!
A mixed number has a whole number part and a fractional part, like 2½ (two and a half). When we add mixed numbers with different denominators (the bottom numbers), we need to find a common denominator first.
How to Add Mixed Numbers with Unlike Denominators
1️⃣ Find a common denominator for the fractions
2️⃣ Convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with the common denominator
3️⃣ Add the whole numbers and add the fractions separately
4️⃣ Simplify your answer if needed
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Pizza Party!
You ate 1¾ pizzas and your friend ate 2⅔ pizzas. How much pizza did you eat together?
Step 1: Find common denominator for ¾ and ⅔. The least common denominator is 12.
Step 2: Convert fractions: ¾ = ⁹⁄₁₂ and ⅔ = ⁸⁄₁₂
Step 3: Add whole numbers: 1 + 2 = 3
Step 4: Add fractions: ⁹⁄₁₂ + ⁸⁄₁₂ = ¹⁷⁄₁₂ = 1⁵⁄₁₂
Step 5: Combine: 3 + 1⁵⁄₁₂ = 4⁵⁄₁₂ pizzas total!
Example 2: Baking Cookies
Your recipe calls for 1⅖ cups of flour and 2¾ cups of sugar. How many cups of dry ingredients total?
Step 1: Find common denominator for ⅖ and ¾. The LCD is 20.
Step 2: Convert fractions: ⅖ = ⁸⁄₂₀ and ¾ = ¹⁵⁄₂₀
Step 3: Add whole numbers: 1 + 2 = 3
Step 4: Add fractions: ⁸⁄₂₀ + ¹⁵⁄₂₀ = ²³⁄₂₀ = 1³⁄₂₀
Step 5: Combine: 3 + 1³⁄₂₀ = 4³⁄₂₀ cups total!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Kitchen Math: Use measuring cups to demonstrate adding fractions with different denominators while cooking together.
- Visual Aids: Draw circles or rectangles divided into fractions to help visualize the concept of common denominators.
- Real-world Problems: Create word problems using your child's interests (sports scores, video game time, etc.) to make practice more engaging.