Fractions

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Mixed Fractions and Improper Fractions

Fractions are either bigger or smaller than 1. If a fraction is smaller than 1, where the numerator is smaller than the denominator, then it is a proper fraction. Examples of proper fractions include 1/2, 7/8 and 3/4. When a fraction is bigger than or equal to 1, there are 2 ways to write them. Either as improper fractions, or mixed fractions.

An improper fraction is a fraction which is written like a proper fraction, only the numerator is bigger than or equal to the denominator (top number is bigger than bottom number). Examples of these fractions include 7/4, 11/2 and 4/3.

A mixed fraction (or mixed number) is a mix of both a whole number and a proper fraction which is written as the sum of both the whole number and the fraction. For example if I have 5 one dollar coins, and 1 50-cent coin (which is one half of a dollar), then I have 5 1/2 dollars, as there are 5 dollars + 1/2 dollar. To write the mixed fraction, write the largest whole number which is still smaller than the number and write the fraction that remains next to it.

Lessons

Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Mixed Fractions and Improper Fractions
Numeratos and Denominators
Simplifying Fractions