Adding two mixed numbers | Year 6 Mathematics PDF Download

How to add mixed numbers

• When adding mixed numbers, you can use a similar method to adding fractions, but this time you also need to add the whole numbers.
• Remember, a mixed number is a combination of an integer (whole number) and a fraction, such as.

Examples

Example 1: What is

Sol: Let's break this calculation down into steps. The method below allows you to partition the mixed numbers into fractions and whole numbers, so that you can add them separately.

Step 1: Partition the mixed numbers, so you are left with the whole numbers together and the fractions together.

1 + 2

and

You can quickly add the whole numbers together to make 3.1 + 2 = 3

Step 2: Focus on the fractions now.

The fractions have different denominators, so you need to change one into its equivalent fraction before you add them.

You can’t simplify 2/9 any further, so you will have to change 1/3.

1/3 = 3/9

By multiplying the numerator and denominator by 3, you can find an equivalent fraction.

Step 3: Now that the denominators are the same, you can add the numerators together.

Step 4: Finally, add the answers from the whole numbers and fractions together.

Example 2: Jeannie and Oliver ordered lots of pizzas. Jeannie ate  pizzas and Oliver ate . How much pizza did they eat altogether?

Sol: Let's write that as a calculation.

Step 1: Partition the fractions and whole numbers to add them separately.

2 + 1 = 3

and

Step 2: Change one of the fractions so they both have the same denominator.

Step 3: Add the numerators together.

Step 4: Add the whole number answer and fraction answer together.

So Jeannie and Oliver ate pizzas.

Checklist

Here’s a checklist to remind you of the steps while you work:

• Partition and add whole numbers.
• Check and change denominators.
• Add the fractions.
• Whole numbers answer + fractions answer = final answer!