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A mixed number is made up of a whole number and a fraction.
Let's look at the mixed number below:
| 3 | 2 |
| 5 |
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.
| 5 | + | 5 | + | 5 | + | 2 | = | 17 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Have a look at this picture to help you visualise it:
A quick way is to this work out is: 3 x 5 + 2 =17
| 3 | 2 | = | 17 |
| 5 | 5 |
17/5 is an improper fraction because it is top-heavy.
That means that the top number is bigger than the bottom number.
e.g. convert the following mixed number into an improper fraction.
| 5 | 4 |
| 7 |
Answer:
Work out 5 x 7 + 4 = 39
| 5 | 4 | = | 39 |
| 7 | 7 |
The answer is 39/7.
