How it works
Wholes first, then parts. Add the wholes, then add the parts.
When the parts reach a whole, swap one whole for parts.
When parts run short in a take-away, swap one whole for parts.
Worked examples
Add
- 4 3/5 + 2 4/5 = ?
- Wholes: 4 + 2 = 6.
- Parts: 3/5 + 4/5 = 7/5, which is 1 whole and 2/5.
- 6 + 1 = 7, with 2/5 left.
- So the answer is 7 2/5.
Add and simplify
- 1 2/6 + 1 1/6 = ?
- Wholes: 1 + 1 = 2.
- Parts: 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6, which is 1/2.
- So the answer is 2 1/2.
Take away
- 2 3/4 − 1 3/4.
- Wholes: 2 − 1 = 1. Parts: 3/4 − 3/4 = 0.
- The answer is 1.
A taste of the worksheet
These are the first problems of set A. The printable sheet has many more, with an answer key.
- Write 7/4 as a mixed number.
- 1 4/5 − 1 2/5 = __
- Write 2 1/4 as a fraction in fourths.
- Write 5/2 as a mixed number.
- 3 2/6 + 1 3/6 = __
Words to know
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together.