🍕 Calculating with Fractions and Mixed Numbers

What you’ll learn

1. Mixed Numbers and Improper FractionsConvert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.A mixed number has a whole part and a fraction part, like 1 3/4. To make it improper, multiply the whole by the bottom and add the top: 1 × 4 + 3 = 7, giving 7/4. To go back, divide the top by the bottom — 7 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 3, so 7/4 = 1 3/4.
2. Adding and Subtracting Mixed NumbersAdd and subtract mixed numbers by handling whole numbers and fractions separately.To add or subtract mixed numbers, deal with the whole numbers and the fractions separately, matching the fraction bottoms first. For 2 1/2 + 1 1/4: 2 + 1 = 3 and 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4, giving 3 3/4. Subtraction works the same way, and you simplify the fraction at the end.
3. Multiplying Mixed NumbersMultiply mixed numbers by first rewriting them as improper fractions.To multiply mixed numbers, change each to an improper fraction first, then multiply straight across and simplify. For 1 1/2 × 2: 3/2 × 2/1 = 6/2 = 3. Going improper first keeps every mixed-number calculation simple.

Questions this course answers

Grounded in trusted sources

• Khan Academy
• Math is Fun
• Britannica Kids
• BBC Bitesize

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