How do you add fractions and whole numbers?

To add fractions and whole numbers, convert a whole number into a fraction with the same denominator as the fraction that needs to be added. Add up the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

1. Write the fraction

Fractions consist of two parts. The numerator is written on top, and the denominator is written at the bottom, under a horizontal line. Fractions can also be written in a straight line, using a forward slash; for example 1/2 equals one-half. Denominators tell how many parts a whole has been divided into. Numerators stand for how many of these parts there are. For instance, in the fraction 5/6, there are five parts of the total six parts.

2. Add fractions with the the common denominator

To add fractions, denominators must be the same. For instance, in fractions 1/5 and 3/5 the denominator is 5. The sum of 1/5 and 3/5 is 4/5; the numerators are added together.

3. Convert a whole number into a fraction

To add whole numbers to fractions, make a whole number a fraction, which denominator is common with the fraction in question. For example, to add 2/5 to 3, the whole number 3 needs to be written as a fraction with a denominator of 5. Three is three whole parts that have been divided into five. So, by multiplying five by three the nominator is found to be 15. The fraction 15/5 is another way of saying 3. Finally, add 15/5 to 2/5. The answer is 17/5.