Solve Mixed Number Addition: 4 2/3 + 1 1/4

Mixed Number Addition with Unlike Denominators

423+114= 4\frac{2}{3}+1\frac{1}{4}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:04 First, let's convert mixed fractions to fractions
00:44 Multiply each fraction by the second denominator to find the common denominator
00:57 Calculate the multiplications
01:08 Add with the common denominator
01:15 Now convert to a mixed fraction
01:20 Break down 71 into 60 plus 11
01:29 Break down the fraction into whole number and remainder
01:35 Convert whole fraction to whole number, and combine into mixed fraction
01:42 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

423+114= 4\frac{2}{3}+1\frac{1}{4}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll add two mixed numbers, 4234\frac{2}{3} and 1141\frac{1}{4}, by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Find a common denominator and adjust fractions accordingly.
  • Step 3: Add the fractions and simplify.
  • Step 4: Convert the result back to a mixed number, if necessary.

Let's carry out each step in detail:

Step 1: Convert to Improper Fractions
For 4234\frac{2}{3}, convert to: 4×3+23=12+23=143\frac{4 \times 3 + 2}{3} = \frac{12 + 2}{3} = \frac{14}{3}.
For 1141\frac{1}{4}, convert to: 1×4+14=4+14=54\frac{1 \times 4 + 1}{4} = \frac{4 + 1}{4} = \frac{5}{4}.

Step 2: Find the Common Denominator
The denominators are 3 and 4. The least common multiple (LCM) is 12.

Convert 143\frac{14}{3} to a denominator of 12: 14×43×4=5612\frac{14 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{56}{12}.
Convert 54\frac{5}{4} to a denominator of 12: 5×34×3=1512\frac{5 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{15}{12}.

Step 3: Add the Fractions
Add 5612\frac{56}{12} and 1512\frac{15}{12}:
5612+1512=56+1512=7112\frac{56}{12} + \frac{15}{12} = \frac{56 + 15}{12} = \frac{71}{12}.

Step 4: Convert to a Mixed Number
Divide 71 by 12. The quotient is 5 and the remainder is 11, so:
7112=51112\frac{71}{12} = 5\frac{11}{12}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 511125\frac{11}{12}.

3

Final Answer

51112 5\frac{11}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before adding
  • Technique: Find LCM of denominators: 3 and 4 → 12
  • Check: Verify 423+114=51112 4\frac{2}{3} + 1\frac{1}{4} = 5\frac{11}{12} by converting back ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding whole numbers and fractions separately without common denominators
    Don't just add 4 + 1 = 5 and then 23+14=37 \frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{7} = wrong answer! This ignores the need for common denominators when adding fractions. Always convert to improper fractions first, find the LCM, then add properly.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions?

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Converting to improper fractions makes addition much easier! You can directly find a common denominator and add, rather than juggling whole numbers and fractions separately.

How do I find the LCM of 3 and 4?

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List the multiples: 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15... and 4: 4, 8, 12, 16... The first number that appears in both lists is 12!

What if my final fraction is improper?

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That's normal! Always convert improper fractions back to mixed numbers for your final answer. Divide the numerator by denominator: quotient becomes the whole number, remainder becomes the new numerator.

Can I add the whole numbers first, then the fractions?

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Only if the fractions don't need borrowing! In this case, 23+14=1112 \frac{2}{3} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{11}{12} which is less than 1, so you could add 4 + 1 = 5, then add 1112 \frac{11}{12} . But the improper fraction method is more reliable.

How do I check if 1112 \frac{11}{12} can be simplified?

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Find the GCD of 11 and 12. Since 11 is prime and doesn't divide 12, the GCD is 1. So 1112 \frac{11}{12} is already in lowest terms!

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