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Mixed numbers and improper fractionsMixed numbers and improper fractions

Mixed numbers are made up of a whole number and a fraction. Any whole number can be written as a fraction where the numerator is a multiple of the denominator. So a mixed number can also be written as an improper fractions where the numerator is bigger than the denominator.

Part of MathsFractions, decimals and percentages

Mixed numbers and improper fractions

Diagram showing 4 full circles (1, 2/2, 3/3, 4/4) explaining fractions

The number one can be written as any fraction where the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) are the same:

\(1 = \frac{2}{2} = \frac{3}{3} = \frac{4}{4} ...\)

This means you can write any whole number as a fraction where the numerator is a multiple of the denominator:

\(2 = \frac{4}{2} = \frac{6}{3} = \frac{8}{4} ...\)

\(3 = \frac{6}{2} = \frac{9}{3} = \frac{12}{4} ...\)

Mixed numbers

\(1\frac{2}{3}\) is known as a mixed number, because it is made up of a whole number and a fraction.

The whole number can be written as a fraction and the two parts added together.

So \(1 \frac{2}{3}\) can be written as:

\(\frac{3}{3} + \frac{2}{3} = \frac{5}{3}\)

Improper fractions

\(\frac{5}{3}\) is called an improper fraction, because the numerator is bigger than the denominator.