Adding Mixed Numbers: 3 1/6 + 2 4/6 as a Fraction
When working with mixed numbers, it's essential to understand how to add them correctly. In this article, we'll explore how to add 3 1/6 and 2 4/6 as a fraction.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To add mixed numbers, we need to convert them to improper fractions first. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
Converting 3 1/6
To convert 3 1/6 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (3) by the denominator (6) and then add the numerator (1).
3 × 6 = 18 18 + 1 = 19
So, 3 1/6 is equal to 19/6.
Converting 2 4/6
Similarly, to convert 2 4/6 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (2) by the denominator (6) and then add the numerator (4).
2 × 6 = 12 12 + 4 = 16
So, 2 4/6 is equal to 16/6.
Adding the Improper Fractions
Now that we have converted both mixed numbers to improper fractions, we can add them:
19/6 + 16/6
To add these fractions, we need to have the same denominator, which is 6 in this case. We can add the numerators (19 and 16) and keep the same denominator:
(19 + 16)/6 = 35/6
Simplifying the Result
The result of the addition is an improper fraction, 35/6. We can simplify this fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 1 in this case.
So, the final result is:
35/6
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding mixed numbers involves converting them to improper fractions, adding the fractions, and simplifying the result. In this case, 3 1/6 + 2 4/6 as a fraction is equal to 35/6.