How do you add a fraction and a whole number?

To add a fraction and a whole number, you can follow these simple steps:

1. First, convert the whole number into a fraction. You do this by placing it over 1. For example, if your whole number is 3, you can express it as 3/1.
2. Next, find a common denominator for the two fractions. If the fraction you have is, say, 1/2, its denominator is 2. The whole number (now a fraction) has a denominator of 1, so the least common denominator between them is 2.
3. Now, convert the whole number fraction (3/1) to have the common denominator. To do this, multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2. So, 3/1 becomes 6/2.
4. After you’ve converted the whole number, you can now add the two fractions together:

For example: 6/2 + 1/2 = (6 + 1)/2 = 7/2.

So, 3 + 1/2 = 7/2 or 3.5 as a decimal.

This method ensures that the fractions are compatible for addition, making the process straightforward!