Proper Fraction, Improper Fraction and Mixed Fraction
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A fraction consists of a numerator (top), a denominator (bottom) and a fraction bar separating the two numbers. We have two different types of fractions: proper fractions and improper fractions. Additionally, we can write an improper fraction as a mixed fraction. Here, we’re going to look at the three different types of fractions.
Proper Fraction
Rule
A fraction where the numeric value in the numerator is less than the numeric value in the denominator is called a proper fraction.
Improper Fraction
Rule
A fraction where the numeric value in the numerator is larger than, or equal to the numeric value in the denominator is called an improper fraction.
Mixed Fraction
Rule
An improper fraction can be written using an integer together with a fraction. We call this a mixed fraction or mixed number.
Think About This
Can you see how to change a mixed fraction into an improper fraction?
You multiply the number in the denominator with the large number. Next, you add the numerator. The answer to that is the numerator in the improper fraction. The denominator stays the same:
Think About This
Can you see how to change an improper fraction into a mixed number?
First, you ask: How many times does the denominator go into the numerator? In this case, the answer is , because . Next, you ask: When the integer is separated from the fraction, how many shares do you have left? In this case, the answer is , which makes the fraction in the mixed number . The calculation looks like this:
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