Solve Mixed Number Addition: 6⅜ + 2¾ Step-by-Step

Mixed Number Addition with Different Denominators

638+234= 6\frac{3}{8}+2\frac{3}{4}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's start solving our math problem.
00:08 First, change any mixed fractions into improper fractions. This makes them easier to work with.
00:54 Next, multiply the fractions to get a common denominator. This is important for adding them together.
01:07 Now, add the fractions using the common denominator. You're doing great!
01:15 Then, convert the result into a mixed fraction. Let's make it easier to understand.
01:21 Break down seventy-three into seventy-two plus one. It's like finding a small puzzle piece.
01:27 Separate the fraction into a whole number and its remainder. It makes the next steps simpler.
01:34 Convert any proper fraction to a whole number and add it to the mixed fraction.
01:41 Great job! And that's how we solve this problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

638+234= 6\frac{3}{8}+2\frac{3}{4}=

2

Step-by-step solution

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

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

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.

The first mixed number is 6386\frac{3}{8}. To convert this:

  • The whole number part is 6, and the fractional part is 38\frac{3}{8}.
  • Multiply the whole number by the denominator: 6×8=486 \times 8 = 48.
  • Add the numerator: 48+3=5148 + 3 = 51.
  • The improper fraction is 518\frac{51}{8}.

The second mixed number is 2342\frac{3}{4}. To convert this:

  • The whole number part is 2, and the fractional part is 34\frac{3}{4}.
  • Multiply the whole number by the denominator: 2×4=82 \times 4 = 8.
  • Add the numerator: 8+3=118 + 3 = 11.
  • The improper fraction is 114\frac{11}{4}.

Step 2: Find a common denominator for 518\frac{51}{8} and 114\frac{11}{4}.

The denominators are 8 and 4. The least common denominator is 8.

Step 3: Add the fractions.

Convert 114\frac{11}{4} to the equivalent fraction with a denominator of 8:

  • Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 2: 11×24×2=228\frac{11 \times 2}{4 \times 2} = \frac{22}{8}.

Now add: 518+228=51+228=738\frac{51}{8} + \frac{22}{8} = \frac{51 + 22}{8} = \frac{73}{8}.

Step 4: Convert 738\frac{73}{8} back to a mixed number.

  • Divide 73 by 8: 73÷8=973 \div 8 = 9 remainder 1.
  • The quotient is 9, and the remainder is 1.
  • The mixed number is 9189\frac{1}{8}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 9189\frac{1}{8}.

3

Final Answer

918 9\frac{1}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominator before adding the fractional parts
  • Technique: Convert 34 \frac{3}{4} to 68 \frac{6}{8} to match denominators
  • Check: 638+268=898=918 6\frac{3}{8} + 2\frac{6}{8} = 8\frac{9}{8} = 9\frac{1}{8}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding denominators instead of finding common denominator
    Don't add 38+34=612 \frac{3}{8} + \frac{3}{4} = \frac{6}{12} ! Adding denominators creates wrong fractions that don't represent the actual values. Always convert to the same denominator first, then add only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 4:\frac{6}{8}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the whole numbers and fractions separately?

+

You can add whole numbers separately (6 + 2 = 8), but the fractional parts need a common denominator first. 38+34 \frac{3}{8} + \frac{3}{4} requires converting 34 \frac{3}{4} to eighths before adding.

How do I know what common denominator to use?

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Use the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For 8 and 4, since 8 is already a multiple of 4, the LCM is 8. Always pick the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly.

What if my fraction part is bigger than 1 after adding?

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That's normal! When 38+68=98 \frac{3}{8} + \frac{6}{8} = \frac{9}{8} , convert the improper fraction: 98=118 \frac{9}{8} = 1\frac{1}{8} . Add this 1 to your whole number part: 8 + 1 = 9.

Can I convert to improper fractions instead?

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Absolutely! Converting 638=518 6\frac{3}{8} = \frac{51}{8} and 234=228 2\frac{3}{4} = \frac{22}{8} works perfectly. Then 518+228=738=918 \frac{51}{8} + \frac{22}{8} = \frac{73}{8} = 9\frac{1}{8} .

How do I check if my answer is right?

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Use estimation! 638 6\frac{3}{8} is about 6.4 and 234 2\frac{3}{4} is about 2.8, so the sum should be around 9.2. Since 918=9.125 9\frac{1}{8} = 9.125 , our answer makes sense!

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