Solve: Adding Mixed Numbers 1⅔ + 1⅓ Step by Step

Adding Mixed Numbers with Common Denominators

123+126= 1\frac{2}{3}+1\frac{2}{6}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:04 First break down each mixed number into its whole number and fraction parts
00:16 Use the substitution law and arrange the problem in a way that's convenient to solve
00:28 Calculate the sum of the whole numbers
00:38 Multiply each fraction by the appropriate factor to find the common denominator
00:43 Calculate the multiplications
00:50 Add using the common denominator
01:00 This is the sum of the fractions, now let's add it to the sum of the whole numbers
01:06 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

123+126= 1\frac{2}{3}+1\frac{2}{6}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will proceed with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the whole and fractional parts of each mixed number.

  • Step 2: Convert the fractions to have a common denominator.

  • Step 3: Add the fractional parts.

  • Step 4: Add the whole numbers.

  • Step 5: Combine the results to obtain the total.

Now, let's go through the solution:

Step 1: Separate the mixed numbers into whole and fractional parts:

  • 123=1+23 1\frac{2}{3} = 1 + \frac{2}{3}

  • 126=1+26 1\frac{2}{6} = 1 + \frac{2}{6}

Step 2: Convert the fractions 23\frac{2}{3} and 26\frac{2}{6} to have a common denominator. The least common multiple of 3 and 6 is 6.

Convert 23\frac{2}{3}:

23=2×23×2=46\frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \times 2}{3 \times 2} = \frac{4}{6}

Step 3: Add the fractional parts:

46+26=4+26=66=1\frac{4}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{4+2}{6} = \frac{6}{6} = 1

Step 4: Add the whole number parts:

1+1=21 + 1 = 2

Step 5: Combine the whole and fractional results:

Adding the whole sum and fractional sum gives: 2+1=32 + 1 = 3

Therefore, the sum of 123+126 1\frac{2}{3} + 1\frac{2}{6} is 3 3 .

3

Final Answer

3 3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers by separating whole and fractional parts
  • Technique: Find LCD: 23=46 \frac{2}{3} = \frac{4}{6} when adding to 26 \frac{2}{6}
  • Check: Verify 46+26=66=1 \frac{4}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{6}{6} = 1 , then 2 + 1 = 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding fractions without finding common denominator
    Don't add 23+26=49 \frac{2}{3} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{4}{9} ! This gives completely wrong results because you can't add fractions with different denominators directly. Always convert to the same denominator first: 23=46 \frac{2}{3} = \frac{4}{6} , then add.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 2\frac{2}{5}+2\frac{2}{5}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the numerators and denominators separately?

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Because fractions represent parts of different-sized wholes! 23 \frac{2}{3} means 2 parts of something divided into 3 pieces, while 26 \frac{2}{6} means 2 parts of something divided into 6 pieces. You need the same-sized pieces to add them.

How do I know which denominator to use as the common one?

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Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of both denominators. For 3 and 6: multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9... and multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18... The smallest common one is 6.

What if my fraction sum equals 1 or more?

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That's normal! When 66=1 \frac{6}{6} = 1 , you have one whole unit. Add it to your whole numbers: 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. Always combine all whole parts together.

Do I need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes, but only if it's still a fraction! Since our answer is 3 (a whole number), it's already in simplest form. Always check if your final fraction can be reduced.

Can I convert mixed numbers to improper fractions instead?

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Absolutely! 123=53 1\frac{2}{3} = \frac{5}{3} and 126=86 1\frac{2}{6} = \frac{8}{6} . Then add: 106+86=186=3 \frac{10}{6} + \frac{8}{6} = \frac{18}{6} = 3 . Both methods work!

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