A fraction describes the parts of a whole, like 1/4, or one fourth.
Fractions have a numerator and a denominator.
The numerator is the number at the top. It shows how many parts we're talking about.
The denominator is the number at the bottom. It shows how many total parts a whole is divided into.
There are 3 types of fractions: proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers.
Let's learn a little about each type.
A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator.
You might use proper fractions every day already.
I ate 1/4 of the pizza.
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of milk.
My brother wanted 1/2 of the cake for himself.
One-third of the students in my class have pets.
Proper fractions have a value of less than one.
3/2 is an example of an improper fraction.
This is 3/2 of a pizza.
An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than the denominator.
Improper fractions have a value greater than one.
What improper fraction does this model represent, or show?
There are 4 squares. Each square is divided into 8 equal parts.
This means that the denominator is 8. Each part is 1/8 of a whole.
We can see that 27 parts are shaded.
This means that the numerator is 27.
If we put these together, we know that the model shows the improper fraction 27/8.
27/8 can also be expressed, or written, as a mixed number.
A mixed number is made up of a whole number and a proper fraction together.
In our last example, the model had 27 parts. Each one of them is 1/8.
The fraction 27/8 is equal to 3 wholes and 3/8.
This means that 27/8 can also be written as 3 and 3/8.
Excellent work.
What is 16/3 written as a mixed number?
To convert an improper fraction into a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator.
To divide 16 by 3, start by asking yourself, "How many 3's can fit into 16?"
It's not possible to perfectly divide the number, so there should be a remainder. Use long division.
The quotient, or answer, at the top, 5, is the whole number part of the mixed number.
The remainder is the numerator of the mixed number.
The denominator is just the same denominator as that of the improper fraction.
So what's the 16/3 written as a mixed number? 🤔
16/3 = 5 and 1/3
Fantastic!
A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than its denominator.
An improper fraction has a numerator greater than its denominator.
A mixed number is made up of a whole number and proper fraction.
Great job learning about proper fractions, improper fractions and mixed numbers. 👏
Now, ace the practice. It'll help you remember for longer.