When adding mixed numbers, what is the first operation you should perform?

When adding mixed numbers, what is the first operation you should perform?

• A. Add the denominators together
• B. Add the whole numbers together
• C. Add the fractions directly
• D. Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

Answer: (B)

When adding mixed numbers, the most effective initial step is to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. Doing so simplifies the addition process, making it easier to combine the fractions directly and ensures that the whole number and fractional parts are correctly accounted for. Once the mixed numbers are converted into improper fractions, you can add the fractions together. It's important to have a common denominator if the fractions have different denominators, which may require additional steps depending on the numbers involved. After obtaining the sum of the fractions, you can then add the whole numbers, or if the resulting fraction is improper, you can convert it back to a mixed number for a final answer. Thus, the most efficient and straightforward approach begins with converting mixed numbers to improper fractions, which sets up the addition properly and allows for correct summation of both the whole and fractional components.

When adding mixed numbers, the most effective initial step is to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. Doing so simplifies the addition process, making it easier to combine the fractions directly and ensures that the whole number and fractional parts are correctly accounted for.

Once the mixed numbers are converted into improper fractions, you can add the fractions together. It's important to have a common denominator if the fractions have different denominators, which may require additional steps depending on the numbers involved. After obtaining the sum of the fractions, you can then add the whole numbers, or if the resulting fraction is improper, you can convert it back to a mixed number for a final answer.

Thus, the most efficient and straightforward approach begins with converting mixed numbers to improper fractions, which sets up the addition properly and allows for correct summation of both the whole and fractional components.