fractionsDecimals · Year 5 · Suggested learning sequence
Improper fractions and mixed numbers
A mixed number like 2 3/4 has whole ones and a fraction. Each whole is made of the same parts: 1 whole = 4 quarters. So 2 3/4 is 2 × 4 + 3 = 11 quarters, written 11/4. To go the other way, divide: 17/5 is 17 ÷ 5 = 3 remainder 2, so 3 wholes and 2 fifths, written 3 2/5. The fraction part of a mixed number is always less than 1, and the denominator never changes.
Sample questions
Each bar is one whole. Write the shaded amount as an improper fraction.
- Each whole bar has 5 fifths, so 3 whole bars are 3 × 5 = 15 fifths.
- Add the 1 shaded fifth in the last bar: 15 + 1 = 16.
- The shaded amount is 16/5
Answer: 16/5
Each bar is one whole. Write the shaded amount as an improper fraction.
- Each whole bar has 4 quarters, so 2 whole bars are 2 × 4 = 8 quarters.
- Add the 1 shaded quarter in the last bar: 8 + 1 = 9.
- The shaded amount is 9/4
Answer: 9/4
Each bar is one whole. Write the shaded amount as an improper fraction.
- Each whole bar has 5 fifths, so 2 whole bars are 2 × 5 = 10 fifths.
- Add the 1 shaded fifth in the last bar: 10 + 1 = 11.
- The shaded amount is 11/5
Answer: 11/5