Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions | Fractions | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

To convert a mixed number like 5 and 1/4 to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator to get the new numerator over the original denominator.

Key Insights

• 🟰 An improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to the denominator.
• #️⃣ Mixed numbers can be converted to improper fractions by multiplying the whole number by the denominator and adding the numerator.
• #️⃣ The method of converting mixed numbers to improper fractions is based on representing the whole number as a fraction and combining it with the fraction part.
• #️⃣ The numerator of an improper fraction is obtained by adding the product of the whole number and the denominator to the numerator of the mixed number.
• ❓ The resulting improper fraction can be simplified if possible.
• 🎭 Understanding the concept of improper fractions helps in performing operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions.
• 💨 Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions provides a way to compare and order fractions.

Transcript

Write 5 and 1/4 as an improper fraction. So just as a reminder, an improper fraction is one where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. So improper fraction means that the numerator-- and actually, I should say the absolute value of the numerator-- is greater than or equal to the absolute value of the denominator. I could have ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the definition of an improper fraction?

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. This means that the absolute value of the numerator is greater than or equal to the absolute value of the denominator.

Q: How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, and add the numerator. Write the sum as the new numerator over the original denominator.

Q: Can you provide an example of converting a mixed number to an improper fraction?

Sure! For example, to convert 5 and 1/4 to an improper fraction, you multiply 5 (the whole number) by 4 (the denominator) to get 20. Then, you add 1 (the numerator) to get 21. The resulting improper fraction is 21/4.

Q: Why does the method of multiplying the whole number by the denominator and adding the numerator work?

This method works because it represents the whole number (5) as a fraction over the original denominator (4). By adding the numerator (1), we are combining the fraction part with the whole number part, resulting in the improper fraction 21/4.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• An improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to the denominator.

• Mixed numbers can be written as improper fractions by multiplying the whole number by the denominator and adding the numerator.

• 5 and 1/4 can be written as 21/4 by multiplying 5 by 4 and adding 1.