Fractions – How do I Change Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers?

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     There are 2 ways to change improper fractions into mixed numbers.  The first way is easier mathematically.  The second is easier to understand for some students, particularly visual and verbal learners.  In any case, show your child both and see which one he/she understands best.

1.    The first method involves division.  To change an improper fraction into a mixed number, we start by dividing the numerator by the denominator. 

For example, 8/5 is like saying 8 divided by 5.  We get 1 (or 5/5) with a remainder of 3.  The 3 is the remaining part of the fraction out of 5.  So, we have part (the 3) over the whole, 3/5, in addition to the 1.  Therefore, we get 1 and 3/5.

2.    The second way to change improper fractions to mixed numbers involves looking at the fraction in a similar way without using division.

For example, again, 8/5 is like saying 8 divided by 5.  This time, we are not going to apply division skills.  We first ask ourselves, “how many times does the denominator (5) go into the numerator (8)?” It goes in 1 time.  So we will have the whole number 1.

Next, we say to ourselves, “5 goes into 8 one time with 3 left over,” so we put the three above.

Finally, we keep the 5 as the denominator.  So we again have 1 and 3/5.

Let’s try another example.  Let’s take the improper fraction 14/5.  Okay, how many times does 5 go into 14?  It goes into 14 two times.  So 2 is our whole number.  If 5 x 2 = 10, I still have 4 left over.  So the fraction is 2 and 4/5.

     Try to play around with both methods and see which one your child understands best.  Use the same fractions if you are trying both methods.  This way, your child will have a better chance understanding one of them.

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