Converting Between Mixed Number and Improper Fractions

Prior Knowledge:
• Writing fractions in their simplest form.
• Division with remainders.

In a fraction, the denominator (the bottom part) tells you how many equal parts there are in a
whole and the numerator (top part) tells you how many parts you have.

A proper fraction contains a numerator which is less than the denominator. For example, 1.
5

An improper fraction (also referred to as a top-heavy fraction) contains a numerator which is

larger than or equal to the denominator. For example, 4 or 5.
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A mixed number fraction contains a whole number and a proper fraction. For example, 56.

Converting an Improper Fraction to a Converting a Mixed Number Fraction to an

Mixed Number Fraction Improper Fraction

Step 1: Divide the numerator by the Step 1: Multiply the whole number by the
denominator. denominator.

Step 2: Write down the whole number. Step 2: Add this to the numerator.

Step 3: Write the remainder as the
numerator of the new fraction. The
denominator will usually stay the same;
always check the question to see if you’ve
been asked to write the answer in its
simplest form.
Step 3: Write this answer as the new
numerator. The denominator stays the same.
Example
4
Write 37 as an improper fraction.

Example Start by multiplying the whole number by the

Write 9 as a mixed number fraction. denominator. 3 × 7 = 21
4
Add this to the numerator. 21 + 4 = 25

Start by dividing the numerator by the

denominator, writing down the whole Write this answer as the new numerator,
number and its remainder. keeping the same denominator.
9 ÷ 4 = 2 with a remainder of 1. 4 25
37 = 7

1
Now, write as a fraction: 24

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 Converting Between Mixed Number and Improper Fractions
Your Turn
1. Write each fraction as a mixed number fraction, in its simplest form.

12 20 41
a. 5
e. 9
i. 12

  

8 31 65
b. 3 f. 17 j. 4

  

15 77 212
c. 6
g. 8
k. 10

  

4 104 502
d. 3 h. 15
l. 4

  

2. Write each fraction as an improper fraction.

1 2 1
a. 12 e. 93 i. 124

  

1 9 4
b. 63 f. 114 j. 125

  

2 7 2
c. 57 g. 49 k. 713

  

5 5 5
d. 28 h. 311 l. 417

  

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 Converting Between Mixed Number and Improper Fractions

3. Match the improper fraction to its equivalent mixed number fraction.

A
3 13
45 5

B
10 23
216 5

C
1 13
33 8

D
5 21
18 8

E
6 10
210 3

Challenge
27 1
Write a mixed number fraction between 5 and 55.

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