Although students learn about fractions before the fourth grade, they don't begin working on converting the fractions until fourth grade. Once students master the concept of fractions, they are ready to move on to converting them. When a fraction has a numerator that is larger than the denominator, it is called an improper fraction. This fraction must be converted to a mixed number.
Print out extra worksheets for children to work on if they need more practice (see Resources).
Divide the fraction's numerator by the fraction's denominator.
Write the quotient down. This is the whole number part of your mixed number. For example, a fraction of 12/11 would have a quotient, or whole number, of 1, while a fraction of 50/10 would have a quotient of 5.
Look at your remainder. Set the remainder over the original denominator to get the fraction part of your problem. For example, an improper fraction of 12/11 would have a remainder of 1 so the fraction part of the answer would be 1/11.
Not all improper fractions have a remainder. For example, 50/10 would simply convert to 5.
Write the whole number and the fraction together to form your mixed number. For example, an improper fraction of 12/11 would equal a mixed number of 1-1/11.
Tips
References
- "Horizons Mathematics Teacher's Guide"; Cindi Mitchell & Lori Fowler; 1999
Tips
- Print out extra worksheets for children to work on if they need more practice (see Resources).
About the Author
Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. She has received awards for being a top content producer.
Photo Credits
isolated circles graph made from fraction circles image by davidcrehner from Fotolia.com