How to Add Fractions with Whole Numbers
Adding fractions and whole numbers is a straightforward process once you understand how to work with fractions and convert whole numbers into fractions.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Convert the whole number to a fraction
Any whole number can be written as a fraction by putting it over 1.
For example, the whole number 3 can be written as:
3=313=\frac{3}{1}3=13
-
Find a common denominator
To add fractions, they must have the same denominator (the bottom number).
For example, if you want to add 25\frac{2}{5}52 and 3, rewrite 3 as 31\frac{3}{1}13.
The denominators are 5 and 1. The least common denominator (LCD) is 5. -
Convert both fractions to have the same denominator
Convert 31\frac{3}{1}13 to have denominator 5 by multiplying numerator and denominator by 5:
31=3×51×5=155\frac{3}{1}=\frac{3\times 5}{1\times 5}=\frac{15}{5}13=1×53×5=515
- Add the numerators
Now add the numerators and keep the denominator the same:
25+155=2+155=175\frac{2}{5}+\frac{15}{5}=\frac{2+15}{5}=\frac{17}{5}52+515=52+15=517
- Simplify the fraction if needed
175\frac{17}{5}517 is an improper fraction and can be left as is or converted to a mixed number:
175=325\frac{17}{5}=3\frac{2}{5}517=352
Example
Add 4+374+\frac{3}{7}4+73:
- Convert 4 to fraction: 41\frac{4}{1}14
- LCD of 1 and 7 is 7.
- Convert 41\frac{4}{1}14 to 287\frac{28}{7}728.
- Add: 287+37=317\frac{28}{7}+\frac{3}{7}=\frac{31}{7}728+73=731.
- Convert to mixed number: 4374\frac{3}{7}473.
If you want, I can provide more examples or explain related concepts like subtracting or multiplying fractions with whole numbers!
