I would like a simple step by step explanation on how to add improper fractions.

Thank you
Paula

Hi Paula,

I am going to start with two mixed fractions, change them to improper fractions and then add them. I want to start with 1 3/10 and 2 1/4 .

1 3/10 = 10/10 + 3/10 = 13/10

2 1/4 = 8/4 + 1/4 = 9/4

To add these fractions we need a common denominator. The denominators are 10 = 2 5 and 4 = 2 2, and hence the least common denominator is 2 2 5 = 20.

 13/10 = 26/20 and  9/4 =  45/20

Thus

1 3/10 + 2 1/4 =  13/10 +  9/4 =  26/20 +  45/20 = 71/20

Finally, 71 divided by 20 is 3 with a remainder of 11 so

1 3/10 + 2 1/4 = 71/20 = 3 11/20

Penny