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4.7: Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers

  • Page ID
    114902
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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this section, you will be able to:

    • Model addition of mixed numbers with a common denominator
    • Add mixed numbers with a common denominator
    • Model subtraction of mixed numbers
    • Subtract mixed numbers with a common denominator
    • Add and subtract mixed numbers with different denominators

    Be Prepared 4.14

    Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

    Draw figure to model 73.73.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.6.

    Be Prepared 4.15

    Change 114114 to a mixed number.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.9.

    Be Prepared 4.16

    Change 312312 to an improper fraction.
    If you missed this problem, review Example 4.11.

    Model Addition of Mixed Numbers with a Common Denominator

    So far, we’ve added and subtracted proper and improper fractions, but not mixed numbers. Let’s begin by thinking about addition of mixed numbers using money.

    If Ron has 11 dollar and 11 quarter, he has 114114 dollars.

    If Don has 22 dollars and 11 quarter, he has 214214 dollars.

    What if Ron and Don put their money together? They would have 33 dollars and 22 quarters. They add the dollars and add the quarters. This makes 324324 dollars. Because two quarters is half a dollar, they would have 33 and a half dollars, or 312312 dollars.

    114+214________324=312114+214________324=312

    When you added the dollars and then added the quarters, you were adding the whole numbers and then adding the fractions.

    114+214114+214

    We can use fraction circles to model this same example:

    114+214114+214
    Start with 114114. one whole and one 1414 pieces . .
    Add 214214 more. two wholes and one 1414 pieces . .
    The sum is: three wholes and two 1414's . .

    Manipulative Mathematics

    Example 4.81

    Model 213+123213+123 and give the sum.

    Answer

    We will use fraction circles, whole circles for the whole numbers and 1313 pieces for the fractions.

    two wholes and one 1313 . .
    plus one whole and two 1313s . .
    sum is three wholes and three 1313s . .

    This is the same as 44 wholes. So, 213+123=4.213+123=4.

    Try It 4.161

    Use a model to add the following. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    125+335125+335

    Try It 4.162

    Use a model to add the following. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    216+256216+256

    Example 4.82

    Model 135+235135+235 and give the sum as a mixed number.

    Answer

    We will use fraction circles, whole circles for the whole numbers and 1515 pieces for the fractions.

    one whole and three 1515s . .
    plus two wholes and three 1515s. . .
    sum is three wholes and six 1515s . .

    Adding the whole circles and fifth pieces, we got a sum of 365.365. We can see that 6565 is equivalent to 115,115, so we add that to the 33 to get 415.415.

    Try It 4.163

    Model, and give the sum as a mixed number. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    256+156256+156

    Try It 4.164

    Model, and give the sum as a mixed number. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    158+178158+178

    Add Mixed Numbers

    Modeling with fraction circles helps illustrate the process for adding mixed numbers: We add the whole numbers and add the fractions, and then we simplify the result, if possible.

    How To

    Add mixed numbers with a common denominator.

    Step 1. Add the whole numbers.

    Step 2. Add the fractions.

    Step 3. Simplify, if possible.

    Example 4.83

    Add: 349+229.349+229.

    Answer

    349+229349+229
    Add the whole numbers. .
    Add the fractions. .
    Simplify the fraction. .

    Try It 4.165

    Find the sum: 447+127.447+127.

    Try It 4.166

    Find the sum: 2311+5611.2311+5611.

    In Example 4.83, the sum of the fractions was a proper fraction. Now we will work through an example where the sum is an improper fraction.

    Example 4.84

    Find the sum: 959+579.959+579.

    Answer

    959+579959+579
    Add the whole numbers and then add the fractions.
    959 +579_____ 14129 959 +579_____ 14129
    Rewrite 129129 as an improper fraction. 14+13914+139
    Add. 15391539
    Simplify. 15131513

    Try It 4.167

    Find the sum: 878+758.878+758.

    Try It 4.168

    Find the sum: 679+859.679+859.

    An alternate method for adding mixed numbers is to convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions and then add the improper fractions. This method is usually written horizontally.

    Example 4.85

    Add by converting the mixed numbers to improper fractions: 378+438.378+438.

    Answer

    378+438378+438
    Convert to improper fractions. 318+358318+358
    Add the fractions. 31+35831+358
    Simplify the numerator. 668668
    Rewrite as a mixed number. 828828
    Simplify the fraction. 814814

    Since the problem was given in mixed number form, we will write the sum as a mixed number.

    Try It 4.169

    Find the sum by converting the mixed numbers to improper fractions:

    559+379.559+379.

    Try It 4.170

    Find the sum by converting the mixed numbers to improper fractions:

    3710+2910.3710+2910.

    Table 4.2 compares the two methods of addition, using the expression 325+645325+645 as an example. Which way do you prefer?

    Mixed Numbers Improper Fractions
    325+6459659+659+1151015325+6459659+659+1151015 325+645175+3455151015325+645175+3455151015
    Table 4.2

    Model Subtraction of Mixed Numbers

    Let’s think of pizzas again to model subtraction of mixed numbers with a common denominator. Suppose you just baked a whole pizza and want to give your brother half of the pizza. What do you have to do to the pizza to give him half? You have to cut it into at least two pieces. Then you can give him half.

    We will use fraction circles (pizzas!) to help us visualize the process.

    Start with one whole.

    A shaded circle is shown. Below it is a 1. There are arrows pointing to a shaded circle divided into 2 equal parts. Below it is 2 over 2. Next to this are two circles, each divided into 2 equal parts. The top circle has the right half shaded and the bottom circle has the left half shaded.

    Algebraically, you would write:

    On the left, it says 1 minus 1 half. There is an arrow pointing to 2 over 2 minus 1 over 2. There is another arrow pointing to 2 over 2 minus 1 over 2 equals 1 over 2.

    Example 4.86

    Use a model to subtract: 113.113.

    Answer

    There is a table with five rows and three columns. The first column is not labeled. The second column is labeled “Model.” The third column is labeled “Math Notation.” In the first column, the first row says, “Rewrite vertically. Start with one whole.” The next row says, “Since one-third has denominator 3, cut the whole into 3 pieces. The 1 whole becomes 3 thirds.” The next row says, “Take away one-third.” The last row says, “There are two-thirds left.” In the “Model” column, there is a picture of a shaded circle. Below that is a picture of a shaded circle divided into 3 equal pieces. Below that is a picture of a circle divided into 3 equal pieces with 2 pieces shaded. In the “Math Notation” column, the first row shows 1 minus 1 third. The next row says 3 thirds minus 1 third. The last row says 3 thirds minus 1 third is 2 thirds.

    Try It 4.171

    Use a model to subtract: 114.114.

    Try It 4.172

    Use a model to subtract: 115.115.

    What if we start with more than one whole? Let’s find out.

    Example 4.87

    Use a model to subtract: 234.234.

    Answer

    There is a table with four rows and three columns. The first column is not labeled. The second column is labeled “Model.” The third column is labeled “Math Notation.” In the first column, the first row says, “Rewrite vertically. Start with two wholes.” The next row says, “Since three-fourths has denominator 4, cut one of the wholes into 4 pieces. You have one whole and 4 fourths.” The next row says, “Take away three-fourths.” The last row says, “There is 1 and 1 fourth left.” In the “Model” column, there is a picture of two shaded circles. Below that is a picture of two shaded circles. One of the circles is divided into 4 equal pieces. Below that is a picture of one full shaded circle and a circle divided into 4 equal pieces with 1 piece shaded. In the “Math Notation” column, the first row shows 2 minus 3 fourths. The next row says 1 and 4 fourths minus 3 fourths. The last row says 1 and 4 fourths minus 3 fourths equals 1 and 1 fourth.

    Try It 4.173

    Use a model to subtract: 215.215.

    Try It 4.174

    Use a model to subtract: 213.213.

    In the next example, we’ll subtract more than one whole.

    Example 4.88

    Use a model to subtract: 2125.2125.

    Answer

    There is a table with five rows and three columns. The first column is not labeled. The second column is labeled “Model.” The third column is labeled “Math Notation.” In the first column, the first row says, “Rewrite vertically. Start with two wholes.” The next row says, “Since two-fifths has denominator 5, cut one of the wholes into 5 pieces. You have one whole and 5 fifths.” The next row says, “Take away 1 and two-fifths.” The last row says, “There is 3 fifths left.” In the “Model” column, there is a picture of two shaded circles. Below that is a picture of two shaded circles. One of the circles is divided into 5 equal pieces. Below that is a picture of one full unshaded circle and a circle divided into 5 equal pieces with 3 pieces shaded. In the “Math Notation” column, the first row shows 2 minus 1 and 2 fifths. The next row says 1 and 5 fifths minus 1 and 2 fifths. The last row says 1 and 5 fifths minus 1 and 2 fifths equals 3 fifths.

    Try It 4.175

    Use a model to subtract: 2113.2113.

    Try It 4.176

    Use a model to subtract: 2114.2114.

    What if you start with a mixed number and need to subtract a fraction? Think about this situation: You need to put three quarters in a parking meter, but you have only a $1$1 bill and one quarter. What could you do? You could change the dollar bill into 44 quarters. The value of 44 quarters is the same as one dollar bill, but the 44 quarters are more useful for the parking meter. Now, instead of having a $1$1 bill and one quarter, you have 55 quarters and can put 33 quarters in the meter.

    This models what happens when we subtract a fraction from a mixed number. We subtracted three quarters from one dollar and one quarter.

    We can also model this using fraction circles, much like we did for addition of mixed numbers.

    Example 4.89

    Use a model to subtract: 1143411434

    Answer

    Rewrite vertically. Start with one whole and one fourth. . .
    Since the fractions have denominator 4, cut the whole into 4 pieces.
    You now have 4444 and 1414 which is 5454.
    . .
    Take away 3434.
    There is 1212 left.
    . .

    Try It 4.177

    Use a model to subtract. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    1132311323

    Try It 4.178

    Use a model to subtract. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    1154511545

    Subtract Mixed Numbers with a Common Denominator

    Now we will subtract mixed numbers without using a model. But it may help to picture the model in your mind as you read the steps.

    How To

    Subtract mixed numbers with common denominators.
    1. Step 1. Rewrite the problem in vertical form.
    2. Step 2. Compare the two fractions.
      • If the top fraction is larger than the bottom fraction, go to Step 3.
      • If not, in the top mixed number, take one whole and add it to the fraction part, making a mixed number with an improper fraction.
    3. Step 3. Subtract the fractions.
    4. Step 4. Subtract the whole numbers.
    5. Step 5. Simplify, if possible.

    Example 4.90

    Find the difference: 535245.535245.

    Answer

    .
    Rewrite the problem in vertical form. .
    Since 3535 is less than 4545, take 1 from the 5 and add it to the 35:(55+35=85)35:(55+35=85) .
    Subtract the fractions. .
    Subtract the whole parts.
    The result is in simplest form.
    .

    Since the problem was given with mixed numbers, we leave the result as mixed numbers.

    Try It 4.179

    Find the difference: 649379.649379.

    Try It 4.180

    Find the difference: 447267.447267.

    Just as we did with addition, we could subtract mixed numbers by converting them first to improper fractions. We should write the answer in the form it was given, so if we are given mixed numbers to subtract we will write the answer as a mixed number.

    How To

    Subtract mixed numbers with common denominators as improper fractions.

    Step 1. Rewrite the mixed numbers as improper fractions.

    Step 2. Subtract the numerators.

    Step 3. Write the answer as a mixed number, simplifying the fraction part, if possible.

    Example 4.91

    Find the difference by converting to improper fractions:

    961171011.961171011.

    Answer

    961171011961171011
    Rewrite as improper fractions. 105118711105118711
    Subtract the numerators. 18111811
    Rewrite as a mixed number. 17111711

    Try It 4.181

    Find the difference by converting the mixed numbers to improper fractions:

    649379.649379.

    Try It 4.182

    Find the difference by converting the mixed numbers to improper fractions:

    447267.447267.

    Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers with Different Denominators

    To add or subtract mixed numbers with different denominators, we first convert the fractions to equivalent fractions with the LCD. Then we can follow all the steps we used above for adding or subtracting fractions with like denominators.

    Example 4.92

    Add: 212+523.212+523.

    Answer

    Since the denominators are different, we rewrite the fractions as equivalent fractions with the LCD, 6.6. Then we will add and simplify.

    There are three vertical addition problems. The first shows 2 and 1 half plus 5 and 2 thirds. There is an arrow pointing to the next. This one shows 2 and 1 times a red 3 over 2 times a red 3, with an arrow pointing to the top red 3 that says, “Change into equivalent,” plus 5 and 2 times a red 2 over 3 times a red 2. There is an arrow pointing to the next. This one shows 2 and 3 sixths plus 5 and 4 sixths equals 7 and 7 sixths. Below are instructions to add and rewrite in simplest form. There is an arrow pointing to a red 8 and 1 sixth.

    We write the answer as a mixed number because we were given mixed numbers in the problem.

    Try It 4.183

    Add: 156+434.156+434.

    Try It 4.184

    Add: 345+812.345+812.

    Example 4.93

    Subtract: 434278.434278.

    Answer

    Since the denominators of the fractions are different, we will rewrite them as equivalent fractions with the LCD 8.8. Once in that form, we will subtract. But we will need to borrow 11 first.

    There are four vertical subtraction problems. The first shows 4 and 3 fourths minus 2 and 7 eighths. There is an arrow pointing to the next. This shows 4 and 3 times a red 2 over 4 times a red 2, with an arrow above saying, “change into equivalent,” minus 2 and 7 eighths. There is an arrow pointing to the next. This shows 4 and 6 eighths minus 2 and 7 eighths. There is an arrow pointing to the next. It says to borrow 1 whole from the 4, since we cannot subtract 7 eighths from 6 eighths, and shows 3 and 14 eighths minus 2 and 7 eighths equals 1 and 7 eighths.

    We were given mixed numbers, so we leave the answer as a mixed number.

    Try It 4.185

    Find the difference: 812345.812345.

    Try It 4.186

    Find the difference: 434156.434156.

    Example 4.94

    Subtract: 3511434.3511434.

    Answer

    We can see the answer will be negative since we are subtracting 44 from 3.3. Generally, when we know the answer will be negative it is easier to subtract with improper fractions rather than mixed numbers.

    35114343511434
    Change to equivalent fractions with the LCD. 35·411·443·114·1135·411·443·114·11

    32044433443204443344
    Rewrite as improper fractions. 15244209441524420944
    Subtract. 57445744
    Rewrite as a mixed number. −11344−11344

    Try It 4.187

    Subtract: 134678.134678.

    Try It 4.188

    Subtract: 10372249.10372249.

    Media

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    Section 4.6 Exercises

    Practice Makes Perfect

    Model Addition of Mixed Numbers

    In the following exercises, use a model to find the sum. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    436.

    1 1 5 + 3 1 5 1 1 5 + 3 1 5

    437.

    2 1 3 + 1 1 3 2 1 3 + 1 1 3

    438.

    1 3 8 + 1 7 8 1 3 8 + 1 7 8

    439.

    1 5 6 + 1 5 6 1 5 6 + 1 5 6

    Add Mixed Numbers with a Common Denominator

    In the following exercises, add.

    440.

    5 1 3 + 6 1 3 5 1 3 + 6 1 3

    441.

    2 4 9 + 5 1 9 2 4 9 + 5 1 9

    442.

    4 5 8 + 9 3 8 4 5 8 + 9 3 8

    443.

    7 9 10 + 3 1 10 7 9 10 + 3 1 10

    444.

    3 4 5 + 6 4 5 3 4 5 + 6 4 5

    445.

    9 2 3 + 1 2 3 9 2 3 + 1 2 3

    446.

    6 9 10 + 8 3 10 6 9 10 + 8 3 10

    447.

    8 4 9 + 2 8 9 8 4 9 + 2 8 9

    Model Subtraction of Mixed Numbers

    In the following exercises, use a model to find the difference. Draw a picture to illustrate your model.

    448.

    1 1 6 5 6 1 1 6 5 6

    449.

    1 1 8 5 8 1 1 8 5 8

    Subtract Mixed Numbers with a Common Denominator

    In the following exercises, find the difference.

    450.

    2 7 8 1 3 8 2 7 8 1 3 8

    451.

    2 7 12 1 5 12 2 7 12 1 5 12

    452.

    8 17 20 4 9 20 8 17 20 4 9 20

    453.

    19 13 15 13 7 15 19 13 15 13 7 15

    454.

    8 3 7 4 4 7 8 3 7 4 4 7

    455.

    5 2 9 3 4 9 5 2 9 3 4 9

    456.

    2 5 8 1 7 8 2 5 8 1 7 8

    457.

    2 5 12 1 7 12 2 5 12 1 7 12

    Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers with Different Denominators

    In the following exercises, write the sum or difference as a mixed number in simplified form.

    458.

    3 1 4 + 6 1 3 3 1 4 + 6 1 3

    459.

    2 1 6 + 5 3 4 2 1 6 + 5 3 4

    460.

    1 5 8 + 4 1 2 1 5 8 + 4 1 2

    461.

    7 2 3 + 8 1 2 7 2 3 + 8 1 2

    462.

    9 7 10 2 1 3 9 7 10 2 1 3

    463.

    6 4 5 1 1 4 6 4 5 1 1 4

    464.

    2 2 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 3 1 2

    465.

    2 7 8 4 1 3 2 7 8 4 1 3

    Mixed Practice

    In the following exercises, perform the indicated operation and write the result as a mixed number in simplified form.

    466.

    2 5 8 · 1 3 4 2 5 8 · 1 3 4

    467.

    1 2 3 · 4 1 6 1 2 3 · 4 1 6

    468.

    2 7 + 4 7 2 7 + 4 7

    469.

    2 9 + 5 9 2 9 + 5 9

    470.

    1 5 12 ÷ 1 12 1 5 12 ÷ 1 12

    471.

    2 3 10 ÷ 1 10 2 3 10 ÷ 1 10

    472.

    13 5 12 9 7 12 13 5 12 9 7 12

    473.

    15 5 8 6 7 8 15 5 8 6 7 8

    474.

    5 9 4 9 5 9 4 9

    475.

    11 15 7 15 11 15 7 15

    476.

    4 3 4 4 3 4

    477.

    6 2 5 6 2 5

    478.

    9 20 ÷ 3 4 9 20 ÷ 3 4

    479.

    7 24 ÷ 14 3 7 24 ÷ 14 3

    480.

    9 6 11 + 7 10 11 9 6 11 + 7 10 11

    481.

    8 5 13 + 4 9 13 8 5 13 + 4 9 13

    482.

    3 2 5 + 5 3 4 3 2 5 + 5 3 4

    483.

    2 5 6 + 4 1 5 2 5 6 + 4 1 5

    484.

    8 15 · 10 19 8 15 · 10 19

    485.

    5 12 · 8 9 5 12 · 8 9

    486.

    6 7 8 2 1 3 6 7 8 2 1 3

    487.

    6 5 9 4 2 5 6 5 9 4 2 5

    488.

    5 2 9 4 4 5 5 2 9 4 4 5

    489.

    4 3 8 3 2 3 4 3 8 3 2 3

    Everyday Math

    490.

    Sewing Renata is sewing matching shirts for her husband and son. According to the patterns she will use, she needs 238238 yards of fabric for her husband’s shirt and 118118 yards of fabric for her son’s shirt. How much fabric does she need to make both shirts?

    491.

    Sewing Pauline has 314314 yards of fabric to make a jacket. The jacket uses 223223 yards. How much fabric will she have left after making the jacket?

    492.

    Printing Nishant is printing invitations on his computer. The paper is 812812 inches wide, and he sets the print area to have a 112112-inch border on each side. How wide is the print area on the sheet of paper?

    493.

    Framing a picture Tessa bought a picture frame for her son’s graduation picture. The picture is 88 inches wide. The picture frame is 258258 inches wide on each side. How wide will the framed picture be?

    Writing Exercises

    494.

    Draw a diagram and use it to explain how to add 158+278.158+278.

    495.

    Edgar will have to pay $3.75$3.75 in tolls to drive to the city.

    Explain how he can make change from a $10$10 bill before he leaves so that he has the exact amount he needs.

    How is Edgar’s situation similar to how you subtract 10334?10334?

    496.

    Add 4512+3784512+378 twice, first by leaving them as mixed numbers and then by rewriting as improper fractions. Which method do you prefer, and why?

    497.

    Subtract 37845123784512 twice, first by leaving them as mixed numbers and then by rewriting as improper fractions. Which method do you prefer, and why?

    Self Check

    After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

    .

    After reviewing this checklist, what will you do to become confident for all objectives?


    This page titled 4.7: Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax.

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