An Improper Fraction has a top number larger than (or equal to) the bottom number. Show
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See how the top number is bigger than (or equal to) the bottom number? Three Types of FractionsThere are three types of fraction: FractionsA Fraction (such as 7/4) has two numbers: NumeratorDenominator The top number (the Numerator) is the number of parts we have. Example: 7/4 means:
So we can define the three types of fractions like this:
Improper FractionSo an improper fraction is a fraction where the top number (numerator) is greater than or equal to the bottom number (denominator): it is top-heavy. 44 Can be EqualWhat about when the numerator is equal to the denominator? For example 4/4 ? Well it is the same as a whole, but it is written as a fraction, so most people agree it is a type of improper fraction. Improper Fractions or Mixed FractionsWe can use either an improper fraction or a mixed fraction to show the same amount. For example 134 = 74, as shown here: Converting Improper Fractions to Mixed FractionsTo convert an improper fraction to a mixed fraction, follow these steps:
Example: Convert 114 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 34 That example can be written like this: Example: Convert 103 to a mixed fraction.Answer: 3 13 Converting Mixed Fractions to Improper FractionsTo convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, follow these steps:
Example: Convert 325 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: 175 We can do the numerator in one go: Example: Convert 219 to an improper fraction.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?
But, for everyday use, people understand mixed fractions better. Example: It is easier to say "I ate 214 sausages", than "I ate 94 sausages" We Recommend:
Can a whole number be written as an improper fraction?Any whole number can be expressed as an improper fraction by simply using 1 in the denominator. For example, 15 is written as 15/1 (or 15/1 is an improper fraction!) We can also think of it as 15 divided by 1 equals 15.
How do you change a number into a fraction?To convert a decimal to a fraction, place the decimal number over its place value. For example, in 0.6, the six is in the tenths place, so we place 6 over 10 to create the equivalent fraction, 6/10. If needed, simplify the fraction.
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