Mixed numbers

Key Notes :

What is a mixed number?

A mixed number is a number made up of a whole number and a proper fraction together. For example, the number 2 1/3 is a mixed number.

Three circles, each split into thirds. The first two circles are fully shaded in, representing the whole number two. The last circle has one third shaded in. The full model shows the mixed number two and one third.

Mixed numbers are sometimes called mixed fractions.

Changing Fractions|Fraction to Whole or Mixed Number|Improper Fraction2 1/4
3 1/4
pie full 3/41 3/4
4 1/4
2 1/2
4 3/4

What is an improper fraction?

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. For example, 7/3 is an improper fraction, since 7 is larger than 3.

The numerator seven over the denominator three, making the improper fraction seven thirds

You can see the improper fraction 7/3 below. There are 7 thirds:

Three circles, each split into thirds. The first two circles are fully shaded in, and the last circle has one third shaded in. The full model shows the improper fraction seven thirds.

Improper fractions are sometimes called “top-heavy” fractions.

Learn with an example

Write the mixed number (for example, 2 2/3):

_________

First, count the wholes.

There are 3 wholes.

Now find the fraction part.

There are 4 equal parts. There is 1 coloured part.

the fraction is 1/4 .

Write the whole-number part and the fraction part together to make the mixed number:

3 1/4

Write the mixed number (for example, 2 2/3):

First, count the wholes.

There are 2 equal parts. There is 1 coloured part.

The fraction part is 1/2

Write the whole-number part and the fraction part together to make the mixed number:

2 1/2

Write the mixed number (for example, 2 2/3):

First, count the wholes.

There are 4 equal parts. There are 3 coloured parts.

The fraction part is 3/4 .

Write the whole-number part and the fraction part together to make the mixed number:

1 3/4

Let’s practice!