Method

Converting an Improper Fraction Into a Mixed Number

Improper fractions and mixed numbers are two different ways of writing numbers that can have the same value. Converting an improper fraction into a mixed number can help to estimate the actual value of the fraction. Consider the following improper fraction. 21/4 This improper fraction can be rewritten as a mixed number in three steps.

Divide the Numerator by the Denominator

Start by dividing the numerator of the improper fraction by the denominator. Note that the quotient must be an integer number.

Applet to compute the division of two numbers, 21 and 4

Here, the result of the division of 21 by 4 is the quotient of 5 with a reminder of 1.

Write the Integer Part

Recall that a mixed number consists of an integer part and a proper fraction. The integer part is equal to the quotient of the improper fraction. In this case, it is 5.

Write the Fraction Part

Now the numerator and denominator of the fraction part will be identified. The numerator is equal to the remainder of the division from the first step. In this case, the reminder is 1 and becomes the numerator of the fraction part.

Note that the numerator must be less than the denominator since the fraction part of a mixed number is a proper fraction. The denominator is the same as the denominator of the improper fraction. Therefore, its value is 4.

The numerator is less than the denominator, so the fraction is indeed a proper fraction. Finally, finding the mixed number corresponding to 214 is complete.