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Math: Basic Tutorials : Mixed Numbers & Improper Fractions
Mixed Numbers & Improper Fractions
Mixed numbers consist of a whole number and a fraction, for example two and a half (2 ½). An improper fraction is a fraction whose top number (numerator) is bigger than its bottom number (denominator). For example, five halves (5/2) is an improper fraction. Sometimes, to work with fractions, you have to convert a mixed number into an improper fraction, or vice versa, and this section explains how to do so.
Examples & Activity
Examples
Click on the titles below to view each example.
to a mixed number. 
Convert 11 over 6 to a mixed number.
Line 1: Divide the denominator into the numerator. Remember that 11 over 6 means 11 divided by 6.
Line 2: Divide 6 into 11 and identify the quotient as 1, the divisor as 6 and the remainder as 5.
Line 3: Write the mixed number as the quotient followed by the remainder over the divisor, so the mixed number is 1 and 5 over 6.
to an improper fraction. 
Convert 4 and 2 over 3 to an improper fraction.
Line 1: In the numerator, multiply the whole number by the denominator, and add to the original numerator, so the numerator becomes 4 times 3 plus 2. The denominator does not change so it stays as 3.
Line 2: Simplify the numerator so the improper fraction is 14 over 3.
Summary and Worksheet
- Summary: Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions - PDF - Opens in a new windowThis document contains a short (1 – 2 page) summary of this topic as well as detailed examples to illustrate key concepts. Use this summary to review this topic.
- Worksheet: Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions - PDF - Opens in a new windowThis document contains practice questions on this topic. Use the worksheet to test your knowledge and practice the skills learned in this module. The answers to the practice questions are provided at the end.
Attribution
Examples Source: "Prealgebra - opens in a new window" by Lynn Marecek & Mary Anne Anthony-Smith is licensed under CC BY 4.0 - opens in a new window / A derivative from the original work - opens in a new window