Fractions: Addition of Mixed Numbers

Here are three simple steps to add mixed numbers.

STEP 1: Add the whole numbers.
STEP 2: Add the fractions.
STEP 3: Add the sum of the whole numbers to the sum of the fractions.

EXAMPLE: A watermelon weighs 4 1/4 kilograms and a breadfruit weighs 2 7/8 kilograms. Calculate the combined weight of the 2 items.

First, add the whole numbers: 4 + 2 = 6
Then, add the fractions: 1/4 + 7/8

Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12 Multiples of 8: 8, 16 LCM of 4 and 8 = 8

Convert 1/4 to the equivalent fraction: (1 x 2)/(4 x 2) = 2/8

Add the 2 fractions: 2/8 + 7/8 = 9/8 9/8 = 1 1/8

Add the sum of the fractions to the sum of the whole numbers.
The combined weight of the 2 items = 1 1/8 + 6 = 7 1/8 kilograms

ANSWER: 7 1/8 kilograms