Name/Number: ____________________________
Date: ______
Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers
An improper fraction is a fraction whose numerator (top number) is
larger than its denominator (bottom number).
Example:
3
2
(Read, “Three halves”)
*To turn an improper fraction into a mixed number, divide the numerator by the
denominator. The quotient or answer will become the whole number, your
remainder will become your numerator, and the denominator will stay the same.
Ex. 1
Step 1: Divide the numerator by the
denominator.
9
2
9  2 = 4 r1
Step 2: The quotient, or answer to the division
problem, becomes the whole number. The
remainder becomes the numerator and the
denominator stays the same.
4
Ex. 2
11
3
11  3 = 3 r2
1
2
3
2
3
*****************************************************************
A mixed number is a whole number followed by a fraction.
Example:
1
1
(Read, “One and one-half”)
2
*To turn a mixed number into an improper fraction, multiply the denominator by
the whole number and add the numerator. The answer becomes the numerator
and the denominator stays the same.
Ex. 1
Ex. 2
Step 1: Multiply the whole number and
denominator of the fraction together.
1
4
7
1x7=7
3
2
5
3 x 5= 15
Step 2: Add the numerator of the fraction to
the answer to step 1
1
4
7
7 + 4 = 11
3
2
5
15 + 2= 17
Step 3: Write the answer to step 2 as the
numerator and keep the denominator the
same as the mixed number.
11
7
17
5
Now it’s your turn! Try the problems on the back!
1. Circle all the improper fractions.
12
5
4
6
1
3
7
8
2
11
4
6
2
3
17
21
1
6
3
2
3
17
21
2. Circle all the mixed numbers.
4
2
7
4
6
6
1
3
8
2
1
Directions: Turn the improper fractions into mixed numbers.
12
5
11
4
7
2
4
2
14
6
9
4
Directions: Turn the mixed numbers into improper fractions.
4
2
7
6
1
3
3
2
3
1
3
4
7
2
6
5
6
7