Adding mixed numbers is an easy progression for students who learned how to add fractions with like or unlike denominators.
Subtracting mixed numbers is a bit more difficult. Borrowing is often required for subtraction. When subtracting mixed numbers, it is often necessary for the fraction to need to borrow from the whole number. This requires that students understand the relationship between the whole number and the denominator number in the fraction.
In the fraction 4 1/3, the 4 is the whole number and 1/3 is the fraction. Students must be able to understand that the 4 could also be viewed as 3/3 + 3/3 + 3/3 + 3/3. When subtracting, students may also be required to rewrite 4 1/3 as 3 4/3. In this situation, 4 has been renamed 3 + 3/3, then the fraction part has been added to the original fraction 1/3. This results in 4 and 4/3.
Please watch the videos below.
Subtracting mixed numbers is a bit more difficult. Borrowing is often required for subtraction. When subtracting mixed numbers, it is often necessary for the fraction to need to borrow from the whole number. This requires that students understand the relationship between the whole number and the denominator number in the fraction.
In the fraction 4 1/3, the 4 is the whole number and 1/3 is the fraction. Students must be able to understand that the 4 could also be viewed as 3/3 + 3/3 + 3/3 + 3/3. When subtracting, students may also be required to rewrite 4 1/3 as 3 4/3. In this situation, 4 has been renamed 3 + 3/3, then the fraction part has been added to the original fraction 1/3. This results in 4 and 4/3.
Please watch the videos below.
Extra Practice