Mixed numbers and improper fractions
An improper fraction has a numerator greater than or equal to its denominator, e.g. 73.
A mixed number consists of a whole part and a proper fraction, e.g. 2 13. Every improper fraction can be written as one.
How to convert an improper fraction to a mixed number
- Divide the numerator by the denominator (integer division). The quotient is the whole part.
- The remainder becomes the new numerator.
- The denominator stays the same.
Example 1. Convert 23/4
- 23 ÷ 4 = 5 remainder 3
- Whole part: 5, numerator: 3, denominator: 4
23
4
= 5
3
4
Example 2. Convert 7/3
- 7 ÷ 3 = 2 remainder 1
- Whole part: 2, numerator: 1, denominator: 3
7
3
= 2
1
3
Example 3. Convert 9/3 (divides evenly)
- 9 ÷ 3 = 3 remainder 0
- Remainder is 0 — the result is a whole number
9
3
= 3