Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers

Wednesday we began adding and subtracting mixed numbers with a slight twist, negatives.  We began class by discussing what a fraction looks like.  I had the students draw a picture of 5/8. I noticed that the students, for the most part, understand the true meaning of what a fraction is.  Here are the 2 correct answers out of 3 that they gave me:

A fraction is a part to total relationship.  5/8 means it takes 8 pieces to make a whole and I have 5 of them.

Next, we review the steps to add and subtract fractions.

1.  Find a common denominator
2.  Change your numerator to match
3.  Add or subtract your numerators
4.  Keep your new denominator
5. SIMPLIFY!!!!!

Then we moved to mixed numbers.  We added one step when adding or subtracting mixed numbers and that was to add or subtract your whole parts.  I like putting that step between step 4 and 5.

At this point I told the students we are finally ready to begin our lesson which was to add or subtract mixed numbers with negatives.  We did this problem:

The students realized that you answer this question just like any other you just have to throw in your integer rules.

We will finish this lesson on Thursday.