TYPES OF FRACTIONS

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A fraction is a number that is the portion or part of a whole. Fractions can stand alone as a fraction or can be a mixed number which is a whole number and fraction.

A fraction has two parts. The bottom is referred to as the denominator and is the number the whole is divided into. The numerator is the portion of the whole being considered.

Fractions can be classified as proper or improper. In proper fractions, the numerator is smaller than the denominator. In an improper fraction, the numerator is larger than the denominator. It is generally considered proper to change improper fractions to mixed numbers. The example below shows three halves which is an improper fraction, also as a mixed number which is one and one half.

To change an improper fraction to a mixed number:

1. Divide the denominator into the numerator.
2. Once one has the whole number quotient or answer, place the remainder over the divisor or original denominator. This is the mixed number for that improper fraction.
3. To change a mixed number to an improper fraction:
4. Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction.
5. Then add the numerator to the result of multiplying the whole number by the denominator.
6. Keep the same denominator. This is the improper fraction of the mixed number.