Answer
To estimate the addition or subtraction of mixed number fractions, all one needs to do is round the numbers to the nearest whole.
Work Step by Step
To estimate the addition or subtraction of mixed number fractions, all one needs to do is round the numbers to the nearest whole. For instance:
$\displaystyle 52\frac{1}{10}\approx 52$
$\displaystyle 48\frac{9}{12}\approx 49$
Although the answer won't be exact, it does serve two purposes. First, it lets you know if the exact answer you get is reasonable and can be used to check your work. Second, not all real-world problems require precise answers; sometimes a rough estimate is enough.
