

Rather than writing an improper fraction where the numerator is larger than the denominator, mixed numbers are written as a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction. Mixed numbers (or mixed fractions) are another way to represent improper fractions. Improper fractions are an effective way to express parts of a whole in a way that tells us the size of the whole while also allowing us to represent values larger than 1. Using the example of a pizza that is cut into 8 slices, we can think of an improper fraction as having more than 1 whole pizza if we have slices of pizza, then we have 1 whole pizza, but if we have slices of pizza, we have 1 whole pizza and 1 part out of 8 of a 2 nd pizza. For an improper fraction, the fraction represents more than the whole. Improper fractionsĪn improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. Using the example of a pizza that is cut into 8 slices, slices is considered a proper fraction, but (or 1) is not a proper fraction because the value is equal to 1, and 8 parts out of 8 represents the whole pizza, rather than a part of the whole. A proper fraction therefore always has a value smaller than 1. The numerator represents the number of equal parts of a whole, while the denominator represents the whole. What are proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers? Proper fractionsįractions represent a part of a whole, so it makes sense then that "proper" fractions are fractions where the numerator is smaller than the denominator. It is a proper fraction because the numerator is smaller than the denominator, and is a simple fraction because both numerator and denominator are whole numbers.

For example, is both a simple fraction and a proper fraction. Fractions are an effective way of representing parts of a whole using numbers, rather than having to describe the concept using words.įractions can be categorized in a number of different ways. If you eat 3 slices of pizza, then you've eaten 3 parts of the whole pizza, or using fractions, of the pizza.


The above fraction is read as "one eighth," meaning that it represents 1 equal part of eight total parts, such as 1 slice of pizza for a pizza that is cut into 8 slices. The line separating the numerator and denominator in a fraction is referred to as a fraction bar, and indicates division. The numerator is the top number (1) of the fraction while the denominator is the bottom number (8). The process used to find the answer is also provided.Ī fraction represents a number of equal parts of a whole, and is made up of a numerator and a denominator: The answers are fractions in the lowest terms or mixed numbers in reduced form. The decimals will be converted to fractions after calculation. When calculating mixed numbers, decimals can be used as long as the numerator and denominator are blank. The numerator and denominator inputs accept integers only. To calculate mixed numbers, click the "Calculate Mixed Numbers" checkbox. This fraction calculator can be used to add, subtract, multiply, and divide both fractions and mixed numbers.
