Year 7 · Maths · Adding and subtracting fractions · Lesson 3
Adding and subtracting mixed numbers
Convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions, and add and subtract mixed numbers, including with different denominators.
27-minute video lesson
Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.
Watch free for a monthWhat your child will learn
- Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions
- Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers
- Add mixed numbers
- Subtract mixed numbers
- Solve problems with mixed numbers
The method
- Adding: wholes, then fractions, then combine.
- Subtracting: improper fractions are safest.
- Use a common denominator for the fractions.
- Give the answer as a mixed number.
Key words: mixed number, improper fraction, whole, common denominator, simplify.
Worked examples
The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.
Question 1
Write 12/3 as an improper fraction.
- Step 1: 12/3 = 5/3
Answer: 5/3
Question 2
Write 31/4 as an improper fraction.
- Step 1: 31/4 = 13/4
Answer: 13/4
Question 3
Write 52/7 as an improper fraction.
- Step 1: 52/7 = 37/7
Answer: 37/7