How to Figure Out Improper Fractions
Improper fractions are one of three varieties of fractions. Most fractions have a smaller numerator than denominator. For instance, 5/9 is a "proper" fraction. A mixed fraction has a fraction, but it also has a whole number. For example, 9 1/9 is a mixed fraction. Improper fractions, such as 10/3, have a numerator that is equal to or larger than the denominator. An improper fraction is a perfectly valid numerical expression, though you may need to figure out how to switch it to a mixed number or whole number to work with it.
Instructions
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1
Divide the denominator into the numerator. Do not use decimals. If there is a remainder, just note it. For example, 13/4 comes to 3 with a remainder of 1. If the denominator divides into the numerator with no remainder, your result is a whole number. For example, 18/9 equals 2.
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2
Set the remainder (if there is one) over the original denominator and add it to your result from Step 1. In the above example of 13/4, the remainder goes above the original denominator, yielding 1/4. Add that to your result from your division to get 3 1/4, a mixed fraction expression of 13/4.
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3
Divide the numerator by the denominator to switch an improper fraction to a decimal. Using 13/4 again as an example, the result is 3.25.
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