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Convert Mixed Numbers into Improper Fractions

In this worksheet, students will practise converting mixed numbers into improper (or top-heavy) fractions.

'Convert Mixed Numbers into Improper Fractions' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 2

Year:  Year 5 Maths worksheets

Curriculum topic:   Number: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

Curriculum subtopic:   Convert Fractions

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

In this activity, we will be learning about mixed numbers and improper fractions. 

 

A mixed number is made up of a whole number and a fraction.

 

Let's look at the mixed number below:

 

mixed number

 

This is 3 wholes and 2 fifths.

 

3 wholes are the same as 5 fifths + 5 fifths + 5 fifths = 15 fifths.

15 fifths + 2 fifths = 17 fifths in total.

 

fraction statement

 

Have a look at this picture to help you visualise it:

 

Diagram showing 4 rectangles split into 5 parts. 3 of the rectangles are shaded in completely. The last rectangle has only 2 parts shaded.

 

A quick way to work this out is: 3 x 5 + 2 = 17

 

Can you see how you multiply the whole number (3) by the denominator (5) and then add the numerator (2)?

3 x 5 = 15 + 2 = 17

 

fraction statement

 

17/5 is an improper fraction because it is top-heavy

That means that the top number is bigger than the bottom number.

 

Let's try an example. 

 

Example

Convert the following mixed number into an improper fraction.

 

fraction statement

 

Answer

Multiply the whole number (5) by the denominator (7) and add the numerator (4)

Work out 5 x 7 + 4 = 39

 

fraction statement

 

The answer is 39/7.

 

boy thinking

 

Now it's time to try some of these yourself. 

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