---
title: "Adding and subtracting mixed numbers"
description: "Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, including by converting to improper fractions or using properties of operations"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-mixed-numbers-mt_70qDTI14td
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-mixed-numbers-mt_70qDTI14td.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Adding and subtracting mixed numbers

Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators, including by converting to improper fractions or using properties of operations

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Fractions · Ages 9 to 10
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/adding-and-subtracting-mixed-numbers-mt_70qDTI14td

## Ready when they can

- Calculate 2 3/5 + 1 4/5 and express as a mixed number
- Subtract 3 1/4 from 5 3/4
- Solve 4 2/6 − 1 5/6 by regrouping the whole number

## Lesson: Adding and subtracting mixed numbers

You already know what mixed numbers are and how to add simple fractions. Adding and subtracting mixed numbers works the same way, but now there is one more step. Add or subtract the whole numbers first. Then add or subtract the fraction parts.

**Example.** Try 2 and 3/5 + 1 and 4/5. Add the whole numbers: 2 + 1 = 3. Add the fraction parts: 3/5 + 4/5 = 7/5. Since 7/5 is more than one whole, turn it into 1 whole and 2/5. Add that whole to 3, and the answer is 4 and 2/5.

**Example.** Now try 5 and 3/4 − 3 and 1/4. Subtract the whole numbers: 5 − 3 = 2. Subtract the fraction parts: 3/4 − 1/4 = 2/4. The answer is 2 and 2/4.

*(drawing: 2/6 is less than 5/6, so you cannot subtract yet. You need to borrow.)*

**Tip.** When the fraction part you are subtracting is bigger, borrow one whole first. In 4 and 2/6 − 1 and 5/6, borrow a whole from the 4 and change it into 6/6. Now you have 3 and 8/6. Subtract: 3 − 1 = 2, and 8/6 − 5/6 = 3/6. The answer is 2 and 3/6.

**Recap.** Add or subtract the whole numbers and the fraction parts, and regroup or borrow a whole when the fractions don't fit.

## Practice

11 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Mixed numbers and improper fractions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/mixed-numbers-and-improper-fractions-mt_o_p-3tCxiM)
- [Fraction addition concepts](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/fraction-addition-concepts-mt_VgOePicFYK)

## Opens up

- [Word problems adding and subtracting fractions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/word-problems-adding-and-subtracting-fractions-mt_ZLqYE7la4Z)