Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Improper fractions are necessary to make multiplying fractions easier because they have the same denominator which makes adding and subtracting fractions easier. Mixed numbers, on the other hand, need to be turned into improper fractions to make simple addition and subtraction problems easier.

After you have attained your answer you need to turn the answer from an improper fraction back into a mixed number for better understanding.

4/3 is an example of an improper fraction because the numerator in the fraction is bigger than the denominator in the fraction.

Changing improper fractions into mixed numbers 101

4/3 is equivalent to 1 1/3. 

(Think of it as 3 going into the number 4 .....ONE TIME ( That's the Whole number in your mixed number answer.)  One is left over ( So that's the numerator in your answer.) Three is the original denominator so you keep it the same........this results in your answer being 1 1/3.

Changing mixed numbers into improper fractions 101

To change a mixed number into an improper fraction, you multiply the coefficient by the denominator and add the numerator to get the new numerator. The denominator is the same as the original.

Ex.- 2 3/4 would be 11/4 as an improper fraction. Multiply 2*4, which equals 8, then add 3, which is 11. The denominator stays at 4, so the answer is 11/4.