Fraction flowchart
Use this flow chart to explain how to add, subtract, multiply or divide with mixed numbers and fractions.
Can the fractions be simplified?
- Simplify the fractions where possible
Does the sum contain mixed numbers?
Are you adding/subtracting or multiplying/dividing the mixed numbers?
Are you adding/subtracting or multiplying/dividing the fractions?
- Add or subtract the whole numbers first.
- Convert the remaining fractions to a common denominator.
- Add or subtract the numerators
- Simplify by borrowing from or adding to the whole number if required
- Convert the fraction to improper (top heavy) fractions
- Convert the fractions to a common denominator.
- Add or subtract the numerators (top number)
- Leave the denominator as it is!
Are you multiplying or dividing the fractions?
- Convert the fractions to a common denominator.
- Add or subtract the numerators (top number)
- Leave the denominator as it is!
- Multiply the numerators (top numbers) together
- Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers) together
- Flip the second fraction over.