How To Make A Fraction Into A Whole Number

Mixed Fractions

(Also called "Mixed Numbers")

A Mixed Fraction is a whole number and a proper fraction combined.

Such as 1 3 4

Examples

See how each example is made up of a whole number and a proper fraction together? That is why it is called a "mixed" fraction (or mixed number).

Names

We can give names to every part of a mixed fraction:

$mixed fraction 2 1/3$

Three Types of Fractions

There are three types of fraction:

Fraction Types

Mixed Fractions or Improper Fractions

We can use either an improper fraction or a mixed fraction to show the same amount.

For example 1 3 4 = 7 4 , as shown here:

Converting Improper Fractions to Mixed Fractions

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed fraction, follow these steps:

	Divide the numerator by the denominator. Write down the whole number answer Then write down any remainder above the denominator.

Example: Convert 11 4 to a mixed fraction.

Divide:

11 ÷ 4 = 2 with a remainder of 3

Write down the 2 and then write down the remainder (3) above the denominator (4).

Answer:

2 3 4

That example can be written like this:

Fraction 11/4 = 2 3/4

Example: Convert 10 3 to a mixed fraction.

Fraction 11/4 = 2 3/4

Answer:

3 1 3

Converting Mixed Fractions to Improper Fractions

To convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, follow these steps:

	Multiply the whole number part by the fraction's denominator. Add that to the numerator Then write the result on top of the denominator.

Example: Convert 3 2 5 to an improper fraction.

Multiply the whole number part by the denominator:

3 × 5 = 15

Add that to the numerator:

15 + 2 = 17

Then write that result above the denominator:

17 5

We can do the numerator in one go:

Fraction 2 2/5 = 17/5

Example: Convert 2 1 9 to an improper fraction.

Fraction 2 1/9 = 19/9

Are Improper Fractions Bad ?

NO, they aren't bad!

For mathematics they are actually better than mixed fractions. Because mixed fractions can be confusing when we write them in a formula: should the two parts be added or multiplied?

Mixed Fraction:	What is:	1 + 2 1 4	?
	Is it:	1 + 2 + 1 4	= 3 1 4 ?
	Or is it:	1 + 2 × 1 4	= 1 1 2 ?

Improper Fraction:	What is:	1 + 9 4	?
	It is:	4 4 + 9 4 = 13 4

But, for everyday use, people understand mixed fractions better.

Example: It is easier to say "I ate 2 1 4 sausages", than "I ate 9 4 sausages"

We Recommend:

For Mathematics: Improper Fractions
For Everyday Use: Mixed Fractions