Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions: What’s the Difference?
An improper fraction being turned into a mixed number. Fractions are used to represent parts of a whole, but once a fraction becomes larger than 1, there are two common ways to write it: as an improper fraction or as a mixed number . These two forms often represent exactly the same quantity; the difference is simply how the number is written. Improper fractions An improper fraction is a single fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. This means the fraction is at least 1 whole (and possibly more). Examples: 7/4 12/5 9/9 In 7/4, there are 7 parts, and each whole is made from 4 parts. Since 7 is larger than 4, the value is greater than 1. Mixed numbers A mixed number is written as a whole number followed by a proper fraction. The proper fraction shows the leftover part after counting whole units. Examples: 1 3/4 2 2/5 3 1/6 In 1 3/4, the “1” shows one whole, and “3/4” shows three extra quarters. Same value, differe...