|
= |
|
| Three halves | is the same as | 1 whole and another half |
| 3/2 | = | 1 1/2 |
Improper Fractions to mixed numbers
The following instructions are the steps to change improper fractions to mixed numbers!! An improper fraction is a fraction that has a numerator that is LARGER than the denominator. 3/3 (three halves) is improper because 3 is bigger than 2.
One way you can change an improper fraction to a mixed number is by making a picture. For example, 3/2 (three halves) can change into the mixed number 1 1/2 (one and a half). They both mean the exact same amount! Here's a picture to help you see why.
|
= |
|
| Three halves | is the same as | 1 whole and another half |
| 3/2 | = | 1 1/2 |
Another way to change an improper fraction to a mixed number is to just use division. The first thing you need to do is divide the numerator by the denominator. Such as 3 divided by 2 = 1 remainder 1. So you take the quotient/answer (1) and use that as the whole number. Then, take the remainder (1) and use that as the numerator. Finally, take the number you divided by (2) and use that as the denominator.
Example:
3
2
3÷2= 1 remainder 1 , so the mixed number would be
| 1 | 1 2 |
Mixed Numbers to Improper fractions
The following directions are the steps to be able to change mixed numbers to improper fractions. First, you take the mixed number and multiply the denominator by the whole number. Then add the numerator to that answer. The denominator just stays the same.
For example:
| 1 | 3 4 |
4x1=4+3= 7
4
You can also make a picture to help you solve this type of problem. Just draw a picture of the mixed number and then count the number of individual pieces that make up the entire picture. Here is an example:
| 1 | 3 4 |
 |
Equals |  |
| one whole and three fourths | is the same as | seven fourths |
| 1 3/4 | = | 7/4 |
There are really 7 fourths in one and three fourths.
