Improper fractions, mixed numbers and like fractions · Usually met around P4
Whole and mixed numbers
Wholes and fractions apart; borrow 1 if needed.
How to do it
Method
Wholes and fractions apart; borrow 1 if needed
4 15 − 1 35 = 3 65 − 1 35 = 2 35
Another way
Improper fractions
215 − 85 = 135 = 2 35
In full
Add and take away mixed numbers by working the wholes and the fractions apart: 2 37 + 1 27 = 3 57. If the fractions come to more than 1, carry 1 to the wholes: 1 57 + 2 47 = 3 97 = 4 27. If the fraction is too small to take from, borrow 1 from the wholes as a fraction: 4 15 − 1 35 = 3 65 − 1 35 = 2 35. Whole minus fraction borrows too: 3 − 25 = 2 55 − 25 = 2 35. Or turn everything into improper fractions first: 4 15 − 1 35 = 215 − 85 = 135 = 2 35.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
5 811 + 2 611 = □ □/11
Fill in each box
Show the answer and working
Answer: 8，3
Fractions 811 + 611 = 1411, more than 1, so carry 1 to the wholes: 8 311.
Example 2
What is 6 − 49?
- A. 6 59
- B. 6 49
- C. 5 59
- D. 5 49
Choose the right answer
Show the answer and working
Answer: C. 5 59
6 = 5 99; take away 49 to get 5 59.
Example 3
6 29 + 19 − 3 59 = □ □/9
Fill in each box
Show the answer and working
Answer: 2，7
Left to right, wholes and fractions apart, carrying or borrowing 1 where needed: 2 79.
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