How to Add Fractions to Whole Numbers

Reviewed by Grace Imson, MA

Last Updated: February 6, 2024

Performing operations on different types of numbers can be a difficult task at times. Do you often forget the method? Don't worry, in this article, wikiHow explains how you can add fractions to whole numbers using a fairly simple and quick method that saves you time and procrastination.

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1
Convert your whole number into a fraction. To do this, simply add a denominator of $1$ to your whole number.
- For example, $2+{\frac {3}{4}}$ . This will now become ${\frac {2}{1}}+{\frac {3}{4}}$ .
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2
Multiply your fractions to have the same denominator. Look at the original fraction in your problem, and use its denominator to multiply with your other fraction.
- For example, we have ${\frac {2}{1}}+{\frac {3}{4}}$ . The original fraction was $\frac{3}{4}$ , so we have a denominator of $4$ . Multiply the numerator and denominator of ${\frac {2}{1}}*4$ . Doing this, you will get ${\frac {8}{4}}$ .
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3
Add both fractions. Now that you've got two fractions of the same denominator, add both fractions' numerators, leaving the denominator as it is.
- For example, we have ${\frac {8}{4}}+{\frac {3}{4}}$ . Adding these, we will get ${\frac {11}{4}}$ .
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4
Simplify your fraction. Convert your improper fraction to a mixed fraction . Doing this can get you either a mixed fraction, or a whole number. both would be correct depending on the numerator and denominator divisibility.
- For example, our final answer was ${\frac {11}{4}}$ . Dividing the numerator by the denominator, we will get $2$ and the remainder of $3$ . Your whole number stands alone, while your remainder will be put into the fraction replacing your old numerator. So the answer is now $2{\frac {3}{4}}$ .

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Do you have to turn it into a mixed number?

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No, the answer is correct without turning it into a mixed number. It's just that mixed numbers are often more easily grasped than the equivalent improper fractions.

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25 1/2 + 18 1/5 as a mixed number

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First find common denominators. The least common denominator is 10. Multiply 1/2 by 5/5 to get 5/10. Then multiply 1/5 by 2/2 to get 2/10. 25 5/10 + 18 2/10 = 43 7/10. Your answer is 43 7/10.

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How do you multiply a whole number by a fraction?

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Multiply the whole number by the numerator and keep the denominator the same. Simplify and/or convert to a mixed number if desired. For example: 12 x 2/3 = 24/3 = 8.

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If you have difficulty with your multiplication tables, using a calculator for the necessary parts can be okay as long as you have permission from your teacher.

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