Practise Adding and Subtracting Mixed Number Fractions With the Same Denominator

When we add or subtract two fractions, they must be the same type.

This means that they must have the same bottom number, which we call the denominator.

 

Example

Work out:

3	+	2
4		4

 

Answer

Both fractions have the same denominator. They are both quarters. (4ths)

 

3	+	2
4		4

 

We can simply add the top numbers to get 3 + 2 = 5

 

=	3 + 2
	4

 

=	5
	4

 

 

Remember that the bottom number stays the same.

 

Can you see that this is a top heavy fraction?

We can also call these improper fractions. 

 

 

Improper fractions have a larger numerator than the denominator. 

They are worth more than one whole.

 

We can write them as a whole number and a fraction using a number line. 

 

 

Five quarters is the same as one whole and one more quarter.

 

5	=   1	1
4		4

 

Are you happy with that?