Adding and Subtracting Mixed Numbers

To add or subtract mixed numbers, first add/subtract the fraction parts, then the whole
numbers.
3 1 7 2
Examples: 6 + 2 4 −2
8 4 9 3
3 1 7 2
+ −
8 4 9 3
3 2 7 6
+ − Common denominator
8 8 9 9
𝟓 𝟏
Fraction part
𝟖 𝟗
6+2=𝟖 4−2=𝟐 Whole number part
𝟓 𝟏
𝟖 𝟐 Final answer
𝟖 𝟗

Borrowing to Subtract:
–First, get the fractions to have the same denominator.
–If the first fraction’s numerator is smaller than the second fraction’s numerator, you will have
to “borrow” from the whole number:
1. Take one away from the first whole number.
2. Add the numerator and denominator of the first fraction.
3. This sum is the new numerator, keep the same denominator.

1 2 2+6 8
5 5 5 5
3 6 6 6
5 5 5 5
−2 −2 −2 −2
6 6 6 6

3 𝟏
3 =𝟑 Always reduce if possible
6 𝟐
9
8 7 If there is no first fraction, borrow 1 from the whole number and
9
5 5
−3 −3 make a fraction that has the LCD on top and bottom.
9 9

𝟒
𝟒
𝟗

5 10 10+16 26
4 4 3 3
8 16 16 16
15 15 15 15
−2 −2 −2 −2
16 16 16 16

𝟏𝟏
𝟏
𝟏𝟓