# Changing Fractions

In changing fractions we will discuss how to change fractions from improper fraction to a whole or mixed number, from mixed number to an improper fraction, from whole number into an improper fraction.

Changing an improper fraction to a whole number or mixed number:

Here we will learn about changing an improper fraction to a whole or mixed number.

Cut out three circle of the same size.
Fold each circle in four.
Shade 4 parts from the first circle, 4 parts from the second circle and one part from the third circle.
Total parts shaded = 9 we have 9/4 parts.

Total parts in each circle 4 which is really 21/4 parts.

Note:
When the numerator of a fraction is greater than the denominator, the fraction is greater than 1. This can be written as mixed number.

Changing improper fractions to mixed numbers by dividing the numerator with the denominator.

1. 9/4

= 21/4
Therefore, 9/4 = 21/4

2. 24/10 Try to reduce the numerator and denominator by a common denominator.
24/10 ÷ 2/2 = 12/5
Now divide numerator by denominator.

= 22/5
 Improper fraction 24/10 Mixed number 22/5

Sometimes an improper fraction change into a whole number when there is no remainder.

3. 16/2 ÷ 2/2 = 8/1 = 8

Note:
When the denominator is 1 in an improper fraction, it becomes a whole number.

Changing a mixed number to an improper fraction:

Mother said I had eaten 31/2 chocolates.
This is what I took : 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 = 7 halves
= 7/2

But I looked carefully. I had eaten 3 full + 1/2 chocolate.
Let us learn the mathematical way of changing mixed numbers to improper fractions.

Mixed numbers   Denominator   ×   Whole numbers   Numerator
51/2         =        2            ×           5            +           1     =  11/2

Multiply denominator and whole number 5.
2 × 5 = 10

 Mixed numbers 51/2 Improper fraction 11/2

Add the numerator 10 + 1 = 11
This becomes the new numerator.
The old denominator remains.

Changing a whole number into an improper fraction:

 Whole number 7 Improper fraction 7/1

Since the denominator shows total parts and anything whole is out of 1 part, the improper fraction is formed by using 1 as the denominator.

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