Comparing and Converting Fractions and Mixed Numbers

• When comparing fractions with the same denominator, the size of the numerator
indicates the size of the fraction.

Examples

A) 3 > (is greater than) 1

4 4

B) 4 > 2
5 5

• When comparing mixed numbers, the greater the whole number, the greater the
mixed fraction. If the whole numbers are the same, compare the fraction.

Examples

A) 3 3 > (is greater than) 2 7

8 8

B) 5 1 > 4 5
6 6

C) 5 5 > 5 3
6 6

• When comparing a mixed number and an improper fraction with the same
denominators, you will need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction, or
convert the improper fraction to a mixed number.

Example

29 > 33 because 29 = 35
8 8 8 8

To convert improper fractions and mixed numbers, use the process on the next page.

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Converting Mixed Numbers into Improper Fractions

Example Convert the mixed number 4 1 into an improper fraction.

3

Process Illustration
Multiply the denominator by the 3 × 4 = 12
whole number.
Add the numerator to the answer. 12 + 1 = 13
This answer is the numerator. 13
?
Keep the same denominator. 13
3

4 1 = 13 (thirteen thirds)
3 3

Converting Improper Fractions into Mixed Numbers

Example Convert the improper fraction 17 into a mixed number.

4

Process Illustration

Divide the denominator into the 4 goes into 17 → 4 times

numerator. This answer becomes the
whole number. 4 r1
4 17
–16
1

The remainder becomes the numerator. 1/?

The denominator remains the same. 41

4

17 = 4 1 (4 and one fourth or 4 and one quarter)

4 4

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Converting fractions using diagrams

Example

If there are 3 2 pies left over, how many people could get a piece the size
6
of 1 of a pie?
6

Solution: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.

In the circles above: OR

3 circles are shaded = 3 6 equal parts in 3 circles
and 2 in the fourth circle are
2 of 6 parts are shaded = 2 shaded.
6
20 parts are shaded.
3 2 is the mixed number that
6 20 is the improper fraction that
6
represents the circles.
t th i l
Twenty people would each get 1 of a pie.
6

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 Practice: Comparing and Converting
Fractions and Mixed Numbers

1. Kyle, the baker, knows the importance of adding ingredients to his dishes in the
proper order. In the two recipes below, he must add the ingredients in order from
greatest to least. Using the charts below, record the order in which Kyle should add
the ingredients.

Ingredient Amount (in cups) Order (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th)

Sugar 11
4
Flour 3
4
Salt 1
4
Milk 13
4

Ingredient Amount (in teaspoons) Order (1st, 2nd, etc.)

Salt 1
6
Baking Soda 5
6
Sugar 14
6
Pepper 3
6
Baking Powder 12
6
Cream of Tartar 4
6

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2. Convert the following mixed numbers into improper fractions using mathematical
operations.

a) 3 1 d) 1 3
2 4
b) 5 1 e) 2 2
3 7
c) 6 2
5

3. Convert the following improper fractions into mixed numbers using mathematical
operations.

a) 24
5
b) 14
3
c) 11
2
d) 27
6
e) 18
4

4. Sasha’s home economics teacher is also her math teacher. Today he is having
Sasha’s class make a German bread called Reehah. He writes the recipe on the
board as follows:
10 cups of flour
3
12 eggs
4
16 teaspoons of salt
8
21 cups of milk
5
18 tablespoons oil
6

Sasha is using standard measuring utensils to make Reehah. Convert the recipe
above into standard measuring terms (mixed numbers).

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5. With a partner, use a variety of strategies, such as cut-out or shaded
shapes, fraction circles and/or number lines to display and compare
fractions and mixed numbers with the same denominator.

6. Complete the following chart by converting improper fractions into mixed numbers
and mixed numbers into improper fractions.

Improper Fraction Mixed Number

19
7
33
4
45
6
22
5
32
9
9 4
5
38
6
61
4
53
8
11
2
92
3
25
8
14
3
10 4
5

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7. Complete the following chart by converting improper fractions into mixed
numbers and mixed numbers into improper fractions.

Improper Fraction Mixed Number

17
4
29
7
34
6
18
5
25
9
61
5
31
6
52
3
73
8
9
2
42
7
16
3
27
8
72
3

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