Year 4 - Maths
Add mixed numbers crossing the whole
Efficient strategies for adding and subtracting mixed numbers (crossing a whole)
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will add mixed numbers. They will subtract a proper fraction from a mixed number and subtract a mixed number from a mixed number explaining which strategy is most efficient.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to add mixed numbers crossing the whole.
Key Notes
- Improper fractions can be added in the same way as proper fractions.
- A mixed number can be partitioned into its parts when adding it to improper or proper fractions.
- To add two mixed numbers, the whole number parts can be added and the fractional parts can be added.
- If the sum has a fractional part greater than one, this needs a conversion to express it as a conventional mixed number.
- A number line is a useful tool to use to support addition of mixed numbers.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Mixed number: A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined.
- Improper fraction: An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Adding the fractional part of a mixed number to a proper fraction may result in an improper fraction, which may be recombined with the whole number part of the mixed number and left as improper.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Improper fractions can be added in the same way as proper fractions. A mixed number can be partitioned into its parts when adding it to improper or proper fractions.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Mixed number'
A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Adding the fractional part of a mixed number to a proper fraction may result in an improper fraction, which may be recombined with the whole number part of the mixed number and left as improper. Correction: In a mixed number, the numerator of the fractional part must always be smaller than the denominator. If it is greater, a final conversion is needed.
More Lessons In This Unit
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