The integer portion of a mixed number tells us how many whole units we will move away from 0 on the number line. The fractional portion expresses how much of the next whole unit will be included.
To graph the given number on a number line, let's first consider its form.
-2 15
In this case, the given number is a mixed number. A mixed number is an integer and a fraction combined. The integer part tells us how many whole units we will move away from 0 on the number line. The fractional part expresses how much of the next whole unit will be included.
-2 15
Since the given number is negative, we will first move to the left 2 whole units and 15 of a unit further.
Extra
Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
The higher you go in your math courses, the less likely it is that you will come across a mixed number. Mathematicians are much more likely to use improper fractions. There are two main reasons for this.
Mixed numbers can be easily confused with multiplication.
Improper fractions are easier to perform basic operations with since there are fewer parts to consider — you never need to carry over when adding or subtracting them.
