Adding fractions that are Mixed Numbers (like 2 & 3/4 + 3 & 5/6 ) can be very confusing.  Unless children are taught to illustrate the addition of the fractions, they often never fully understand what is happening with the fractions.  This leaves children with a limited understanding, which can be frustrating and confusing as they enter higher levels of mathematics.

This is the sixth article  in a series of eleven that follow a cyclical learning approach.  Each article is a complete lesson on fractions that takes children step-by-step through the process of learning fractions.  By creating mathematical models, your child will gain a deeper and more concrete understanding of adding fractions that are mixed numbers.  This deeper understanding will help to ensure a successful educational career. 

Articles within this series on Fractions:

1. How to do fractions, Free Online Tutoring in Math for Understanding Fractions
2. How to Add Fractions (like 4/7 + 3/7 )
3. How to Subtract Fractions (like 8/9 – 4/9 )
4. How to Add Fractions with Unlike Denominators (like 2/3 + 3/4 )
5. How to Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators (like 2/3 – 1/4)
6. How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers (like 2 & 3/4 + 3 & 5/6 )
7. How to Subtract Fractions that are Mixed Numbers (like 3 & 3/4 – 2 & 5/6)
8. How to Multiply Fractions (like 2/3 x 5 )
9. How to Divide Fractions (like 6 ÷ ¾ )
10. How to Multiply Fractions (like 2/3 x 1/4)
11. How to Divide Fractions (like ½ ÷ ¼)

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How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 1
Watch Me
Red Tailed Hawk

You are on a hike when you see a Red Tailed Hawk soaring across the sky.  It is absolutely beautiful!  The hawk is circling round and round in two circles that form an 8.  The upper portion of the Eight is 2 & 3/4 miles around.  The lower portion of the Eight is 3 & 5/6 miles around.

How far does the Red Tailed Hawk fly each time he completes his figure-8 shape in the sky?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Press PLAY and Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video below.  Then copy these strategies into your notes!

 

Does Your Child Need a Great Book to Read?

 

My son read every single one of these Magic Tree House books when he was young.  They really helped to develop his reading fluency as well as his comprehension.	I wrote this book when I was teaching in the primary grades.  It’s about a fourth grade boy who is being bullied.  He is taken to another world where he learns to face his fears. In the process, he saves the entire planet from an all-out war.	I wrote this book as a testament to myself.  I have dyslexia, and for years I felt limited by my disability.  I decided to write a novel to prove that no disability could hold me back.  Return to the Elves is a fantasy book for children in fifth and sixth grades.	This is my all-time favorite book for 6th grade. It is about a young lady in the time of the Pharos.  She is quite the heroine. This book dovetails perfectly with the sixth grade standard of studying Ancient Egypt.

Could your child benefit from a little One-On-One tutoring?

The problem below is called a “Work with Me” challenge.  This challenge encourages your child to work step-by-step along side me to solve this challenge.  All of the following challenges are called “On Your Own” challenges.  However, many of my students who struggle with fractions will do five or six of the “On Your Own” challenges as a “Work with Me” challenge.  They play the video, pause it, and copy the strategies until they feel comfortable and confident.  Doing the problems as a “Work with Me” challenge is like having a personal tutor.

How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 2
Work With Me
Hungry Chipmunk

You are camping in Yellowstone National Park.  You are sitting on the picnic table at your campsite eating chips when a cute, little chipmunk scampers up to you.  You feed him 2 & 2/3 bags of chips.  The next day you are eating more chips when the friendly chipmunk reappears.  This time you feed him 2 & 3/5 bags.

How many bags of chips did you feed your Hungry Chipmunk?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Gather your materials and press PLAY.  We’ll solve this problem together, while you watch the math tutorial video below.

Is your neck tight?

This is the prefect massager for your neck and back.  It has soothing Heat to reach those deep muscle Tissues.  The kneading pillow will give you a wonderful Shiatsu Massage on your shoulders, feet, legs, and back.
Use this Muscle relieve massager in you office, home, or car.

I have scaffold the problems in each lesson. 

The first problem in this article is a “Watch Me” problem.  The second is a “Work with Me” problem.  All the rest are “On Your Own” problems. 

*If your child needs a bit more support, they should complete the “On Your Own” problems as a “Work with Me” problem.  I have a number of students with gaps in their learning and others with a variety of  learning disabilities.  I have had incredible success, by having those students complete 5 to 7 problems within each lesson as a “Work with Me” problem.  They play a bit of the video, then pause it  and copy, then watch a bit more, pause it and copy.  My students Play – Pause – and Copy until the entire problem is solved.  This is like having a personal tutor working through each and every problem with your child.  Every one of my students who has used this strategy has passed the Common Core Proficiency Exam.

How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 3
On Your Own
Mural Project

Your class was asked to create two murals for your school.  The murals will be painted on a number of walls near your school’s gymnasium.  Your teacher has chosen two art projects for the murals.  One is a drawing of Native Americans.  The other is a drawing of the people from your community.  You get to use 1 & 4/9 walls for one mural and 1 & 2/3 walls for the other drawing.

How many walls will be covered by these two drawings?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Do your children get frustrated when they make a mistake?

We all make mistakes.  As a matter of fact, making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process.  This is why at the end of each of the following “On Your Own” challenges I encourage children to fix their mistakes.  Finding and fixing your own mistake is the fastest way to learn.

How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 4
On Your Own

Pool-Slash Party

You are invited to a Pool-Splash Party at your friend’s house.  Your friend has become famous, because she dips her head in the water and then flings her hair back.  Her photos are all over the internet and you can’t wait to watch her do her “hair fling thing”.  In order to get from your house to her pool you will need to walk 1 & 1/2 miles to the bus stop.  Next, you will need to ride the bus another 2 & 5/8 miles before you reach her home.

How far will you travel when you go to the Pool-Splash Party?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Do you need some comfortable shoes?

Check out the Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs with their 45 different colors!
These Water Shoes are super comfortable and easy to slip on.

• Rubber sole.
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How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 5
On Your Own
Newspaper Reporter

You are a reporter for your school newspaper.  This week’s topic is underwater exploration.  You have decided to write a similar story to the one written in the New York Times about the sinking of the Titanic.  Your best friend is writing another story about the famous oceanographer and filmmaker, Jacques Cousteau. Your story will use 2 & 2/3 pages.  Your friends story will use 1 & 5/7 pages.

How many pages will these two stories use of your school’s newspaper?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Is it time for a relaxing cup of Tea?

Try a cup of Teavana Peach Tranquility tea.  I am sure that you will love it!

How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 6
On Your Own
Bellatrix Bunny

Bellatrix Bunny is on the  loose.  She escaped from her cage and took off running.  Now she’s not sure where to go. She’s a bit thirsty, and the pond is 1 & 5 /6 kilometers down the path.  But she really wants to explore the woods, which is another 2 & 7/9 past the barn.

If Bellatrix Bunny hops all the way to the woods, how far will she have hopped?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Who doesn’t love a foot massage?

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How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 7
On Your Own
Sandy the Side-Stepping Crab

Sandy the Side-Stepping Crab scuttles across the beach moving this way and that.  He has to be swift and stealthy, because seagulls are constantly trying to eat him.  Sandy was exploring the beach on a sunny day when a huge seagull spotted him.  Sandy’s legs moved in a blur as he scuttled 3 & 3/7 yards to hide under a boulder.  He waited until the gull flew down the beach then took off for the ocean waters, which were another 2 & 2/3 yards away.

How far did Sandy the Side-Stepping Crab have to scuttle to reach safety?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 8
On Your Own
Prancing Holly Horse

Prancing Holly Horse wins top medals every time she enters a horse show.  When she enters the ring her knees lift high.  Her ankles flex, and she prances beautifully around the ring.  Before any show, Holly practices her prancing for 1 & 1/2 hours.  During the show, Holly prances for another 3/5 of an hour.

How long does Holly Horse prance when she has a show?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Could you use a Portable Vacuum?

• KEEP YOUR CAR PROFESSIONAL LEVEL CLEAN! No more crumbs, dust or dirt! With the Worx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner you’ll be free of any wet or dry messes, even liquids, cigarette ashes or pet hair.
• POWERFUL YET TINY! The handheld vacuum weighs only 2.4 lbs but has a high power, 106W & 8.8 amps motor and metal turbine for the ultimate suction power. The 16ft power cord connects to the car’s 12V lighter port, for maximum coverage.
• CLEANING MADE EASY! The ergonomic design of this hand vacuum ensures you can reach all the nooks and crannies of your car. The transparent trash container makes it easy to empty it and the protective lid keeps the trash inside at all times
• The car vacuum set features 3 all-purpose nozzles, a carrying bag for easy storage, a special filter cleaning brush and a spare HEPA filter. It makes for an awesome gift for ride-sharing drivers & car lovers!

How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 9
On Your Own
Climbing Clarence

Climbing Clarence is on a mission.  He wants to climb faster than any one else in his entire family, and he has 142 brothers and sisters.  Each morning he trains, climbing up a slippery pole, jumping to a nearby fence, then reaching for a low hanging branch, and climbing to the top of the tree.  He trains for 1 & 2/5 hours.  Then he brakes for a quick lunch of acorns.  After that Climbing Clarence races back to the pole and trains for another 2 & 3/4 hours.

How many hours does Climbing Clarence train each morning?

complete her race?Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Are you a Barbecuing Machine?

• TIME SAVER – Bear Paws are the answer to perfectly shredded meat without the mess and headache of knives and forks. Easily grasp and shred pork, chicken, beef, and more with the ultra-sharp “claws.”
• DISHWASHER SAFE – Made of BPA-free nylon and heat-resistant up to 475 degrees. Never worry about your shredding tools melting near the grill or in the dishwasher.
• EASY & FUN TO USE – Lift, handle, shred, pull, and carve to your heart’s content. Excellent as turkey lifters, too!  The unique design gives you a perfect handhold for safely managing the super-sharp shredding blades.
• BBQ PRO FAVORITE – Featured on BBQ Pitmasters, Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and America’s Test Kitchen. Bear Paws have been named “Best BBQ Tool” by the National BBQ Association.
• THE ORIGINAL BEAR PAWS – The favorite BBQ accessory for years, Bear Paws are 100% made in the USA. Nobody beats the quality and strength of the Bear Paws product.
• Bear Paws will make your BBQs 100% more epic.

How to Add Fractions that are Mixed Numbers
Online Tutoring in Math: Challenge 10
On Your Own
Soaring Sally the Daredevil Sea Turtle

Soaring Sally is a daredevil.  She knows it’s dangerous, but she can’t help teasing the Great White Sharks that cruise her waters.  Soaring Sally soars in from behind the Great Whites and slaps them on the nose with her front flipper.  Then she takes off like a rocket, soaring through the water.  Soaring Sally only counts the slap if it is full on the shark’s nose.  Anything less is a partial slap.  Soaring Sally slapped 2 & 5/6 sharks on Monday.  She slapped another 3 & 3/4 noses on Tuesday.

How many Great Whites did Soaring Sally slap in all?

Watch this Free Tutoring for Math Video!

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

These Socks Are Super FUN!

• DONUT MISS OUT ON THESE AWESOME SOCKS: Men and women say these colorful and comfortable Donut socks make the best gifts because they get laughs fast.
• These funky food socks are super fun and appealing – the design features a variety of donuts with frosting and sprinkles to make your mouth water! The bottom of the socks draw extra laughs when you put your feet up, revealing a hidden message printed in non-slip ink: ‘If You Can Read This, Bring Me Some Donuts.’
• But Donuts are not the only hit.  Choose from Bacon, Waffles, Chocolate, Coffee, Ice Cream, Cookie, and many more.
• ONE SIZE FITS MOST:  Fits most men US size 6-13 feet and most women US size 7 and up.
• A GREAT GIFT FOR NOT A LOT OF DOUGH: Bake up some excitement around holidays or birthdays.
• PREMIUM KNIT SOCKS: These fun socks were created with passion to avoid the sloppy edges and fraying found on other novelty socks. The premium fabric ensures they will hold up for years of wears and washes without fading, while remaining soft, comfortable and well fitting.
• LUXURIOUS COMFORT: These novelty socks are made from a super soft blend of 5% elastic, 10% spandex, and 85% cotton, which allow them to comfortably stretch. With one touch you’ll notice how these socks gently hug your legs and feet without slouching or bunching.

Drill & Kill

Here is where we Drill until we Kill all our mistakes!

1. The following problems can all be solved with the same strategies we used to solve the first ten problems.
2. Solve all four problems on each page.
3. Watch the video & correct your work.
4. Review your work with your teacher.
5. If you get all 4 problems correct, your parent or teacher may tell you that you’re ready to move to the next book within this series.

Good Luck!

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 11

Problem 1 1 & 2/3 + 2 & 5/8?	Problem 2 3 & 3/4 + 4 &  2/7?
Problem 3 2 & 4/5 + 4 &  3/6?	Problem 4 5 & 1/6 + 1 &  1/9?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

These problems have been split into two video.  The first video covers Problems A & B.  The second video covers problems C & D.

Problems C & D are in the video below

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 12

Problem 1 1 & 1/8 + 1 &  1/3?	Problem 2 3 & 3/7 + 2 & 1/4?
Problem 3 4 & 2/6 + 3 & 2/4?	Problem 4 2 & 2/9 + 1 & 4/6?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 13

Problem 1 3 & 2/5 + 2 & 1/3?	Problem 2 2 & 1/4 + 1 & 1/6?
Problem 3 1 & 2/6 + 1/9?	Problem 4 3 & 1/3 + 1 & 2/9?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Drill & Kill Any Mistakes
Challenge 14

Problem 1 1 & 3/8 + 1/4?	Problem 2 2 & 2/9 + 1 & 1/2?
Problem 3 2 & 3/7 + 1 & 5/14?	Problem 4 3 & 5/6 + 2 & 1/9?

Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below.  Good Luck!

Need Help with Multiplication?

I have a series on Multiplication that is specifically designed for children who do not have all of their multiplication facts memorized.   The series is designed in a similar manner to this series on division, where each and every problem is linked to a video tutorial.  Here is a link to my series on Multiplication.

Need Help with Division?

I have a series on division that is specifically designed for children who do not have all of their multiplication facts memorized.   The series is designed in a similar manner to this series on multiplication, where each and every problem is linked to a video tutorial.  Here is a link to my series on Division.

Thank you for reading this article!

Want More Tutorials?

TeachersDungeon is an Educational Fantasy Game.  It is 100% FREE!  The game is set to the Common Core Educational Standards, and is web-based, so it can be played on any device.  Many of the questions are accompanied by tutorials like the ones you saw here.

One Last Thing

If you like this post and found it helpful, please leave a brief comment.   As a teacher, perhaps the greatest reward I receive is from parents, children, and fellow teachers who use my strategies of education and succeed.

My mission in life and as an educator is to make people feel empowered, self-assured, and happy about who they are in this world!  We all have gifts to bestow upon our world.  Go forth and do so, and know that you are awesome!

Have a fantastic day – Brian McCoy