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2. Mixed and Decimal Numbers
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Chapter 2
2. 

Mixed and Decimal Numbers

This lesson focuses on four key mathematical concepts: mixed numbers, improper fractions, decimal conversion, and long division. It explains how these concepts are interconnected and can be used in various real-world situations. For example, if someone is trying to divide a pizza into equal slices but end up with a piece that is not a full slice, they can represent that piece as an improper fraction or a mixed number. Similarly, if someone is working on a budget and need to divide expenses, understanding decimal conversion can make the process much easier. Long division is also covered as a foundational skill for these conversions. The lesson aims to equip with the tools to make better decisions and solve problems in both academic and everyday settings.

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Student Learning Objectives:
  • Understand mixed numbers
  • Convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions
  • Convert between decimals and fractions
15 Theory slides
9 Exercises - Grade E - A
Each lesson is meant to take 1-2 classroom sessions
Mixed and Decimal Numbers
Slide of 15
There are different ways to write and convert between rational numbers. Each is useful in different situations. This lesson will focus on exploring such number forms and converting them into each other.

Catch-Up and Review

Here are a few recommended readings before getting started with this lesson.

Explore

A Different Way of Writing Improper Fractions

Consider two bars split into into an equal number of parts. Try to determine the fraction that the bars represent.

A bar split into different number of parts is randomly generated
Notice that the first bar is always fully shaded. This indicates that each diagram represents an improper fraction. The first bar can be represented by a fraction whose numerator and denominator are the same. Its value is always 1.
A bar split into different number of parts is randomly generated

The fraction on the right-hand side of the diagram can be represented by a proper fraction. Together, 1 and the proper fraction form a new way of writing the value of an improper fraction.
Discussion

Mixed Numbers

A mixed number consists of a non-zero integer number and a proper fraction.

a bc [0.5em] whereais an integer,b

Consider the graphic representation of different mixed numbers.

An applet that illustrates different mixed numbers
Mixed numbers represent the rational numbers between any two integers.

Discussion

Converting a Mixed Number Into an Improper Fraction

Improper fractions and mixed numbers are two different ways of writing numbers that can have the same value. Consider the following mixed number. 5 29 This mixed number can be rewritten as an improper fraction in three steps.

1
Multiply the Integer Part by the Denominator
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First, identify the integer part of the mixed number. This is the integer number written before the fraction.

Next, multiply the integer part by the denominator of the fraction. In this case, the denominator of the fraction is 9. 5* 9=45

2
Add the Numerator
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Add the numerator of the fraction to the number from the previous step. In the given mixed number, the numerator of the fraction is 2. 45+ 2=47 This is the numerator of the improper fraction. 5 29=47/?

3
Write the Denominator
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Write the numerator of the fraction part as the denominator of the improper fraction. The denominator in the fraction of the given mixed number is 9, so this is also the denominator of the improper fraction. 5 2 9=47/9
Example

Solving the Clues

Izabella finds a note with two mixed numbers.

Text on the note:'4 and 1/3=x/y, 6 and 3/8=z/w; 1. Take x+y steps to my room. 2. Turn left and take z-2w steps.
Help Izabella solve the riddle.

a

Write 4 13 as an improper fraction xy.

b

Write 6 38 as an improper fraction zw.

c

How many steps forward should Izabella take? How many steps left? Write each answer in list form.

Hint

a

Multiply the integer part by the denominator of the fractional part and add the numerator to find the numerator of the improper fraction.

b

The denominator of the improper fraction is the same as the denominator of the fraction in the mixed number.

c

Identify the values of w, x, y, and z comparing the fractions.

Solution

a

The first mixed number we want to rewrite is 4 1 3. Let's multiply the integer part by the denominator of the fraction. Then, add the numerator of the fraction. The result is the numerator of the improper fraction.

4* 3+ 1
12+1
13

The numerator of the improper fraction is 13. The denominator is the the same as it was for the fraction in the mixed number. 4 1 3=13/3

b

For the second mixed number, 6 3 8, we can follow the same process we used in Part A.

6* 8+ 3
48+3
51

The numerator of the improper fraction is 51. The denominator is the the same as it was for the fraction in the mixed number. 6 3 8=51/8

c

Let's consider the questions one at a time.

First Question

In the note, the numerator of the first improper fraction is x and the denominator is y. Let's use our answer to Part A to find these values. x/y=13/3 This means that x= 13 and y= 3. Let's take a look at the first instruction that Izabella received. 1. Take x+ y steps forward. Let's sum x and y to find how many steps forward Izabella should take. 13+ 3=16 steps

Second Question

The numerator of the second improper fraction is z and the denominator is w. Let's use our answer to Part B to find these values. z/w=51/8 This means that z= 51 and w= 8. Now let's consider the second instruction. 2. Turn left and take z-2 w steps. We will substitute the values of z and w and evaluate the expression.

z-2w
51-2( 8)
51-16
35

Izabella should take 35 steps after turning left.

Discussion

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.

1
Divide the Numerator by the Denominator
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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 remainder of 1.

2
Write the Integer Part
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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.

3
Write the Fraction Part
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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 remainder 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.

Example

A Note Hidden in the Bookshelf

Izabella found a second note in her bookshelf.

The office room where the clue is hidden among the books on the bookshelf
External credits: @gstudioimagen
Help her rewrite the improper fractions as mixed numbers.

a

87/5

b

115/9

c

What is the code?

Hint

a

Divide the numerator by the denominator using the long division.

b

The quotient of the division of 115 and 9 is the integer part of the corresponding mixed number.

c

Identify the integer parts of the mixed numbers to find the code.

Solution

a

Izabella needs to rewrite 875 as a mixed number. Let's use long division to divide the numerator by the denominator.

Applet to compute the division of two numbers, 87 and 5

The quotient is 17 with a remainder of 2. Let's use this fact to rewrite 87 5 as a mixed number, remembering that the denominator is the same as the denominator of the improper fraction. 87/5= 17 2 5

b

This time, Izabella needs to rewrite 1159 as an improper fraction. Let's divide 115 by 9 using long division.

Applet to compute the division of two numbers, 115 and 9

The quotient is 12 with a remainder of 7. Let's use this fact to rewrite 115 9 as a mixed number, remembering that the denominator is the same as the denominator of the improper fraction. 115/9= 12 7 9

c

We can find the code using our answers from Parts A and B. Let's identify the integer parts of both mixed numbers we found.

17 25 12 79 ⇓ 17, 12 The code is 17, 12.

Pop Quiz

Converting Between Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction, or each improper fraction to a mixed number. If the improper fraction equals an integer, leave the fraction fields empty. Do not simplify the fraction in a mixed number.

A random generator that generates improper fractions or mixed numbers
Discussion

Introducing Decimal Numbers

While mixed numbers help us estimate the value of an improper fraction, they are not very convenient in calculations. In times like this, decimal numbers may be more convenient.

Concept

Decimal Numbers

Numbers that lie between integers on the number line can be written as decimal numbers. Decimal numbers consist of an integer part, a decimal point as a separator, and a non-zero decimal part written to the right of the decimal point. Consider the decimal number 12.346.

The decimal 12.346 where 12 is an integer part, . is a decimal point, and 346 is a decimal part
The integer part of this number is 12. Since there is a decimal part, 0.346, the number is greater than 12 but less than 13. Therefore, when plotting 12.346 on a number line, the point will lie between 12 and 13.

Discussion

Converting a Decimal Number Into a Fraction

It is possible to convert a decimal number into a fraction and the other way around. Consider the following decimal number. 0.56 A decimal number can be rewritten as a fraction in three steps.

1
Count the Number of Decimal Places n
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The number 0.56 can be read as 56 hundredths. There are two decimal places.

2
Write as a Fraction With the Denominator of 10^n
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The number has 2 decimal places. This means that 0.56 can be written it as a fraction with a numerator of 56 and with a denominator of 10^2. 0.56=56/10^2 ⇓ 0.56=56/100

3
Simplify the Fraction
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Next, check whether 56100 can be simplified. Start by splitting the numerator and denominator into prime factors. 56 & = 2* 2* 2* 7 100 & = 2* 2* 5* 5 The numbers share two common factors. Their product is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 56 and 100. GCF(56,100)=2* 2=4 Finally, divide both the numerator and denominator by 4.

56/100
56 ÷ 4/100 ÷ 4
14/25

The fractions 1425 and 56100 are equivalent and they both correspond to the decimal 0.56.

Extra

Interact With an Applet That Converts Decimals to Fractions
Submit a decimal number between 0.001 and 1 with no more than 3 digits after the decimal point. Then, the process of converting that decimal into a fraction will be shown.

The submitted decimal is converted to a fraction

Example

A Clue Among the Kitchen Supplies

Izabella's sister wants her to pack two different types of cookies for a party. She leaves Izabella a clue as to how many of each type she wants.

The kitchen with the clue hidden
External credits: @upklyak
Rewrite each decimal number as a fraction in simplest form to help Izabella figure out how many of each cookie she needs.

a

1.98

b

0.564

c

How many cookies of each type does Izabella need?

Hint

a

The number 1.98 has two decimal places. That means it can be rewritten as a fraction with the numerator of 198 and the denominator of 100.

b

Simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).

c

Evaluate the expressions a-b and 2c-d.

Solution

a

The number 1.98 has two decimal places, so we can rewrite it as a fraction with a numerator of 198 and a denominator of 100.

1.98=198/100 Now we need to simplify the fraction. Start by splitting the numerator and denominator into prime factors. 198&= 2* 3* 3* 11 100&= 2* 2* 5* 5 The numbers share only one common factor, 2, so this is their GCF. Let's divide both the numerator and denominator by 2 to simplify the fraction.

198/100
198 ÷ 2/100 ÷ 2
99/50

The calculations show that the decimal number 1.98 corresponds to the improper fraction 9950.

b

We can write the decimal 0.564 as a fraction using the same method we used in Part A. Since 0.564 is read as 564 thousandths, we can write it as 564 over 1000.

0.564=564/1000 Next, we split the numerator and the denominator into prime factors to simplify the fraction. 564&= 2* 2* 3* 47 1000&= 2* 2* 2 * 5* 5* 5 The numbers share two common factors. Their product is the GCF of 564 and 1000. GCF(564,1000)=2* 2=4 Finally, divide the numerator and denominator by 4 and simplify the fraction.

564/1000
564 ÷ 4/1000 ÷ 4
141/250

This means that 0.564 is equal to 141250.

c

To find the number of chocolate chip cookies Izabella needs, let's first find the values of a and b using our answer from Part A.

a/b=99/50 Now let's substitute 99 for a and 50 for b into the expression a- b.

a-b
99- 50
49

Izabella needs 49 chocolate chip cookies. Now let's find out how many sugar cookies she needs. First, we will use our answer from Part B to set the fractions corresponding to 0.564 equal to each other. c/d=141/250 Now, let's substitute the found values of c and d and evaluate the second expression.

2c-d
2( 141)- 250
282-250
32

Izabella needs to pack 32 sugar cookies. Now her sister is ready for her party!

Discussion

Converting a Fraction Into a Decimal Number

It is possible to convert a fraction into a decimal number and the other way around. Consider the following fraction. 16/25 Divide the numerator of 16 by the denominator of 25 by using the long division to rewrite the fraction as a decimal.

The long division of 16 over 25
The result is 0.64. This is the decimal number that corresponds to the fraction 1625.

Extra

Rewriting Fractions With the Denominators That Are Powers of 10
A fraction can have a denominator that is a power of 10. Consider a few examples.

Fraction 7/10 26/100 782/1000

In that case, the procedure of the long division of the numerator by the denominator is not the best way to go. Instead, the fraction can be rewritten directly as a decimal. First, count how many zeros each denominator has.

Fraction 7/1 0 26/1 00 782/1 000
Number of Zeros 1 2 3

Then, move the decimal point of the numerator to the left the number of times equal to the number of zeros in the denominator. For example, in the case of 710, there is one zero. This indicates that the decimal point of 7 will be moved one place to the left.

7.0 after division by 10 becomes 0.7

The rest of the fractions can be rewritten into decimal numbers in a similar manner.

Fraction 7/10 26/100 782/1000
Number of Zeros 1 2 3
Decimal 0.7 0.26 0.782
Example

Living Room Locked Box

Izabella finds a locked box in the living room.

The clue lying on the lamp in the living room
External credits: @upklyak

a

Write 425 as a decimal to two decimal places.

b

Write 71168 as a decimal to two decimal places.

c

What pair of numbers opens the box? Give the numbers in order.

Hint

a

Multiply the numerator and denominator by 4 for the fraction to have the denominator of 100.

b

Divide the numerator by the denominator using the long division.

c

Multiply each decimal number by 100.

Solution

a

We want to write the fraction 425 as a decimal. Let's start by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by 4 to get a fraction with a denominator of 100.

4/25
4 * 4/25 * 4
16/100

The denominator is a power of 10 and has two zeros, so we can move the decimal point of the numerator two places to the left to write the fraction as a decimal.

16.0 after division by 100 becomes 0.16

Therefore, 425 or 16100 written as a decimal is 0.16. 16/100=0.16

b

Now we need to rewrite the fraction 71168 as a decimal. We will divide 71 by 168 using long division. Let's calculate the decimal to two decimal places.

long division of 71 and 168



The decimal is 0.42. This means that the fraction 71168 is equal to about 0.42.

c

We can find the code for the lock box by evaluating the given expressions.

4/25=x The first number of the combination is100x. In Part A, we found that 425=0.16, so x= 0.16. Let's use this value to evaluate the expression.

100x
100* 0.16
16

The first number in the combination is 16. Let's check the second clue. 71/168=y The second number of the combination is100y. In Part B, we found that 71168≈ 0.42, so y ≈ 0.42. This value equals y. Let's find the second number of the combination.

100y

y ≈ 0.42

100* 0.42
42

The combination to the locked box is 16, 42.

Pop Quiz

Converting Between Decimal Numbers and Fractions

Convert the given decimal number into the corresponding fraction, or the given fraction into a decimal number. Round the decimal number to two decimal places if needed.

A random generator that generates decimal numbers or fractions
Closure

Advantages of Each Type of Numbers

In this lesson, three forms of real numbers were discussed: fractions, mixed numbers, and decimal numbers.

Each number form has their own advantages and disadvantages. Consider what those may be.

Fractions Mixed Numbers Decimals
Pros Precise and accurate Show the actual value of a number Easy to use in calculations
Cons More difficult to use in calculations Very inconvenient in calculations Sometimes, decimals are approximations of the exact value.

Depending on the situation, some forms of numbers might be more useful than other. Here are some real-world examples.

  • Two farmers want to sell a portion of their harvest to the other. One farmer says, Let's each sell 0.166666... of our harvests to each other! The other farmer says, Hold up! That is such an inconvenient number. How about 16 of our harvests? Now they agree.
  • Imagine being told that a tree grew 134 feet last year. Now imagine being told that same tree grew 3 14 feet last year. The second number form is more commonly used because it gives a clearer image of height.
  • A local market writes the price of one kilogram of apples on one box as $4 1925 and on another box as $ 11925. Imagine trying to figure out how much cash to give at the register! It would be much easier to understand how to pay $4.76.
Converting between different forms of numbers is so great! Look around and try to find more situations where some forms of numbers are more useful than others.



Mixed and Decimal Numbers
Exercise 2.1
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