Mathematics
Grade 5
15 min
Add and subtract mixed numbers with like and unlike denominators: word problems
Add and subtract mixed numbers with like and unlike denominators: word problems
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Analyze word problems to determine whether addition or subtraction of mixed numbers is required.
Add mixed numbers with like denominators in word problem contexts.
Subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, including regrouping, in word problem contexts.
Find a common denominator for fractions within mixed numbers to prepare for addition or subtraction.
Add mixed numbers with unlike denominators in word problem contexts, simplifying the result.
Subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators, including regrouping, in word problem contexts.
Interpret and express the final answer to a word problem involving mixed numbers in a practical context.
Ever wonder how much pizza is left after a party, or how much fabric you need for a project? 🍕 These are re...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Mixed NumberA number that combines a whole number and a fraction.3 \frac{1}{2} (three and one-half)
NumeratorThe top number in a fraction, showing how many parts of the whole are being considered.In \frac{3}{4}, the numerator is 3.
DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction, showing the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.In \frac{3}{4}, the denominator is 4.
Like DenominatorsFractions that have the same denominator.\frac{1}{5} and \frac{3}{5}
Unlike DenominatorsFractions that have different denominators.\frac{1}{2} and \frac{2}{3}
Common DenominatorA shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. It's necessary to add or subtract fractions with unlike denominators.For \frac{1}{2} and \frac{2}{3}, a common denominator is 6.
Impro...
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Core Formulas
Adding Mixed Numbers (Like Denominators)
To add a \frac{b}{c} + d \frac{e}{c}, add the whole numbers and then add the numerators, keeping the denominator the same. Simplify if needed.
Use this when the fraction parts of the mixed numbers already have the same denominator.
Subtracting Mixed Numbers (Like Denominators)
To subtract a \frac{b}{c} - d \frac{e}{c}, subtract the whole numbers and then subtract the numerators, keeping the denominator the same. Regroup (borrow) from the whole number if the first fraction is smaller than the second. Simplify if needed.
Use this when the fraction parts have the same denominator. Be careful with regrouping!
Adding/Subtracting Mixed Numbers (Unlike Denominators)
To add or subtract a \frac{b}{c} and d \frac{e}{f}, first find a commo...
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Challenging
A farmer has a 50 1/2 acre farm with 10 1/4 acres of corn. He sells 12 2/3 acres of his land to a neighbor. How many acres does the farmer have left?
A.37 5/6 acres
B.27 7/12 acres
C.38 1/6 acres
D.40 1/4 acres
Challenging
After pouring 2 3/4 gallons of water out of a full bucket, 1 1/2 gallons remained. How many gallons of water can the bucket hold when it is full?
A.1 1/4 gallons
B.3 1/4 gallons
C.4 1/4 gallons
D.3 4/6 gallons
Challenging
A plank of wood is 8 1/4 feet long. A carpenter cuts off a piece that is 2 1/2 feet long, and then a second piece that is 3 1/3 feet long. How much wood is left on the original plank?
A.2 5/12 feet
B.2 1/2 feet
C.5 5/6 feet
D.3 1/12 feet
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