Calculating the Sum of Mixed Numbers Made Easy

You ever stared at a fraction problem and thought, "What on Earth is this asking me to do?" You’re not alone! Adding mixed numbers can feel intimidating, but trust me, once you break it down step by step, it’s a breeze. Today, we’re going to tackle the sum of three mixed numbers: 3 6/9, 6 1/3, and 9 5/9.

First off, let’s clarify what a mixed number is. You know, it’s that delightful combination of a whole number and a fraction – like a pizza with some slices gone! Now, let’s jump right in and see how to find the sum efficiently.

Step 1: Convert to Improper Fractions

Before we can add, we need to convert our mixed numbers into improper fractions. This may sound complicated, but it’s as easy as pie!

Starting with 3 6/9

Here’s the trick: multiply the whole number by the denominator and then add the numerator. So for 3 6/9, we do:

• 3 x 9 + 6 = 27 + 6 = 33
• This means 3 6/9 = 33/9.

Next up, 6 1/3

Now, onto our next number. And you guessed it, we’re doing the same thing:

• 6 x 3 + 1 = 18 + 1 = 19
• So, 6 1/3 = 19/3.

To add this to the others, we must convert it to have the same denominator, which is 9:

• Simply multiply both the numerator and denominator of 19/3 by 3. That gives us 57/9. Easy, right?

Lastly, 9 5/9

This one's a piece of cake! Convert it the same way:

• 9 x 9 + 5 = 81 + 5 = 86.
• Therefore, 9 5/9 = 86/9.

Step 2: Adding the Improper Fractions

Now we have:

• 33/9 + 57/9 + 86/9
  All share a common denominator, so we can simply add the numerators:

• 33 + 57 + 86 = 176

• So, the sum now looks like this: 176/9.

Step 3: Convert Back to a Mixed Number

To express 176/9 as a mixed number, we divide:

• 176 ÷ 9 = 19 with a remainder of 5.
• Hence, we have 19 5/9.

Wrap-Up: And there you go!

So, the sum of 3 6/9 + 6 1/3 + 9 5/9 comes out to be 19 5/9. Pretty straightforward, right? It’s all about taking those little moments to break things down into bite-sized chunks.

Keep Practicing

Just a little reminder: math, like anything else, improves with practice. So grab a pencil, and find some more mixed numbers to play around with. And hey, if you ever feel lost, just remember – breaking it down into improper fractions will make all the difference. Happy calculating!

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You’ve got this! Whether you’re prepping for the NCTI Installer Technician or just brushing up for yourself, mastering the basics of fractions will serve you well in ways you might not even expect!