Fractions consist of two numbers. The top number is called the numerator. The
bottom number is called the denominator.
numerator
denominator
An improper fraction is a fraction that has a numerator larger than or equal to its denominator.
A proper fraction is a fraction with the numerator smaller than the denominator.
A mixed number consists of an integer followed by a proper fraction.
Example: The mixed number, 3 3/5, can be changed to an
improper fraction by converting the integer portion to a fraction with the
same denominator as the fractional portion and then adding the two fractions.
In this case the integer portion (3) is converted to 15/5. The sum of the
two fractions becomes 15/5 + 3/5
= 18/5.
The entire conversion is:
3 3/5 = 15/5 + 3/5
= 18/5.
