Solve Mixed Number Addition: 2¼ Plus Negative Fraction -12/24

Mixed Number Addition with Negative Fractions

(+214)+(1224)= (+2\frac{1}{4})+(-\frac{12}{24})=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:05 Find the point on the axis
00:08 Positive times negative always equals negative, so subtract
00:12 To subtract, move left (negative) on the axis
00:30 Reduce the fraction to 12
00:38 Multiply the fraction by 2 to find a common denominator
00:49 Convert mixed fraction to improper fraction
00:54 Subtract between the fractions
00:58 Convert fraction to mixed fraction
01:01 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

(+214)+(1224)= (+2\frac{1}{4})+(-\frac{12}{24})=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Simplify the negative fraction, if necessary.
  • Step 3: Find the least common denominator (LCD) to add both fractions.
  • Step 4: Perform the addition of the two fractions.
  • Step 5: Simplify the result or convert back to a mixed number.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The mixed number 2142\frac{1}{4} is converted to the improper fraction 94\frac{9}{4} because 2×4+1=92 \times 4 + 1 = 9.

Step 2: The fraction 1224-\frac{12}{24} simplifies to 12-\frac{1}{2} because 1224=12\frac{12}{24} = \frac{1}{2}.

Step 3: The least common denominator for 94\frac{9}{4} and 12-\frac{1}{2} is 4. We rewrite 12-\frac{1}{2} with this denominator: 1224-\frac{1}{2} \equiv -\frac{2}{4}.

Step 4: Add the fractions: 94+(24)=924=74\frac{9}{4} + \left(-\frac{2}{4}\right) = \frac{9 - 2}{4} = \frac{7}{4}.

Step 5: Convert 74\frac{7}{4} back to a mixed number: 1341\frac{3}{4}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1341\frac{3}{4}.

3

Final Answer

134 1\frac{3}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Convert: Change mixed numbers to improper fractions before adding
  • Simplify: Reduce 1224 -\frac{12}{24} to 12 -\frac{1}{2} first
  • Check: Convert final answer back to mixed number: 74=134 \frac{7}{4} = 1\frac{3}{4}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding whole numbers and fractions separately
    Don't add 2 + (-12/24) = wrong approach! This ignores the fractional part of the mixed number and gives incorrect results. Always convert the mixed number to an improper fraction first, then find a common denominator.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( -5-(-2)= \)

-7-7-7-6-6-6-5-5-5-4-4-4-3-3-3-2-2-2-1-1-1000111222333444555666777

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the whole number 2 to the fraction -12/24?

+

Because 214 2\frac{1}{4} is one complete number, not separate parts! You must convert it to 94 \frac{9}{4} first so both numbers have the same form.

How do I know when to simplify fractions?

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Always simplify fractions when possible! 1224 -\frac{12}{24} becomes 12 -\frac{1}{2} because both 12 and 24 divide by 12. This makes calculations much easier.

What's the easiest way to find the LCD of 4 and 2?

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Since 4 is a multiple of 2, the LCD is simply 4! List multiples: 2: (2,4,6...) and 4: (4,8,12...). The smallest common multiple is 4.

Should my final answer be an improper fraction or mixed number?

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For this type of problem, mixed numbers are usually preferred for the final answer. Convert 74 \frac{7}{4} to 134 1\frac{3}{4} by dividing: 7 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 3.

What if I get confused with the negative sign?

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Think of it as subtraction! (+214)+(12) (+2\frac{1}{4}) + (-\frac{1}{2}) is the same as 21412 2\frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{2} . You're taking away half from two and one-fourth.

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