Whole numbers are numbers without fractions. In simple terms, they represent a whole. On the other hand, fractions are part of a whole or collection. When you divide a whole in equal parts, each parts becomes a fraction of a whole. For instance, there are a total of 5 fruits. 3 out of 5 are oranges. Therefore, the fraction of oranges is ⅗. 2 out of 5 are mangoes, so, the fraction of mangoes is ⅖. Examples of fractions include equal slices of cake, pizza, fruit and a bar of chocolate. This means that, when a part of whole is unevenly divided, they don’t creat fractions. Here, we will learn how to add fractions and whole numbers.
Fraction notation
A fraction features two parts. The top number is called numerator. It shows how many equal parts are taken from a whole. The number below is called denominator. It shows the total number if equal parts in a whole.
Types of fractions
Proper fractions: these are fractions where by the numerator is less the denominator.
Unit fractions: these are fractions with numerator 1.
Improper fractions: these are fractions where by the numerator is more than or equal to denominator.
Mixed fractions: mixed fractions have a whole number and a proper fraction.
Steps to add a fraction to a whole number
● Change the whole number in a fraction, take the denominator as 1.
● Check at the denominators, make them common to get like fractions.
● Add the numerators of the two numbers.
Addition of Whole numbers and proper fractions
Example: What is 1/2 + 10?
Make the whole number a fraction
= 10/1
The new problem is 1/2 + 10/1
Make both denominators equal by multiplying with LCM
The LCM of 2 and 1 is 2
1/2 + 10/1 = 1/2 +20/2
Add numerators directly
1 +20 = 21/2 = 10 ½ 0r 10.5