MathPractice
Fractions · Grade 4

Mixed numbers with like denominators

Connect mixed numbers to fractions greater than one. Then use that connection to add or subtract, regrouping a whole when needed.

Grade 48 questions per setNo account needed
Practice 8 questions Download worksheet

US Letter PDF · A4 version · Answer key

What we’re working onRename a mixed number and use equal-size parts to add or subtract mixed numbers.

First page of the Mixed numbers: like denominators worksheet, with visible questions and room to work.Open worksheet PDF · 8 questions · US Letter
See how it works

Worked examples

Example 1

Move between two names

Write 2 3/4 as a fraction. Then turn that fraction back into a mixed number.

  1. Two wholes contain eight fourths. Add the remaining three fourths to get eleven fourths.
  2. So 2 3/4 = 11/4.
  3. Going back, group eight of the eleven fourths into two wholes. Three fourths remain.

2 3/4 = 11/4

Example 2

Regroup before subtracting

Find 2 1/4 − 3/4.

  1. There is only one fourth in the fractional part, so regroup one whole as four fourths.
  2. Now 2 1/4 = 1 + 5/4. The amount has not changed.
  3. Subtract three fourths from five fourths. Keep the remaining whole.

2 1/4 − 3/4 = 1 2/4 = 1 1/2

A question from this worksheet

Write 1 8/12 as a fraction with denominator 12.

See the explanation

20/12

1 8/12 = 20/12. Convert whole parts before combining or regrouping.

Choose how to practice

Pick the support you need.

Each set has eight questions. The online practice and prepared worksheet use the same questions.

Need a different version or paper size? Customize a worksheet

For the grown-up beside them

Help the thinking along.

A useful question

How many of these fractional parts equal one whole? What must change when you regroup that whole?

What to look for

The learner changes both the whole count and the fraction when regrouping, and can reverse the conversion.

A common sticking point

Adding just 1 to the numerator when exchanging one whole, instead of adding the denominator.

Help without giving the answer

Draw one whole split into the required parts. Move all of those parts next to the fractional part and recount.

Keep the words clear

Words in this skill.

mixed number
A whole number plus a proper fraction, written together, such as 2 3/4.
improper fraction
A fraction whose numerator is at least as large as its denominator.
regroup
Rewrite the same amount using different-sized groups.
proper fraction
A nonnegative fraction with numerator smaller than denominator.
hundredth
One of 100 equal parts of one whole, written 1/100.

What these sets cover.

  • Practice mixed-to-improper and improper-to-mixed conversion before regrouping.
  • Start without regrouping, then exchange one whole when needed.
  • Keep subtraction results nonnegative. Equivalent answers work unless a mixed number is requested.
  • For hundredths, exchanging one whole adds 100 to the fractional-part count and subtracts 1 from the whole count.

Common questions

Do I have to use improper fractions to subtract?

No. You may regroup a whole in a mixed number or convert the whole amount into an improper fraction. Both methods keep the value unchanged.

How do I add mixed numbers with the same denominator?

Add the wholes and add the fractional parts. If the fractional sum contains a whole, regroup it. For example, 1 3/4 + 2 2/4 = 3 + 5/4 = 4 1/4.

How do I regroup one whole into hundredths?

In 2 15/100 − 75/100, trade one of the two wholes for 100 hundredths. Now subtract from 1 115/100: the result is 1 40/100, or 1 2/5. The whole count decreases by one when the fraction count increases by 100.

Try next

Estimate fraction answers

Next, use familiar benchmarks to judge whether an addition or subtraction answer is reasonable.

Explore this skill

Related standards: 4.NF.3.c. These materials focus on this skill, not every part of a grade-level curriculum. How we check materials.