To convert an improper fraction as a mixed fraction, we follow the following steps:
Step 1) Obtain the improper fraction.
Step 2) Divide the numerator by the denominator and obtain the quotient and remainder.
Step 3) Write the mixed fraction as:
\(Quotient = \frac{Remainder}{Denominator}\)
Consider the improper fraction \(\frac{13}{6}\). In order to convert it into a mixed number, divide the numerator 13 by the denominator 6.
The quotient 2 forms the whole number of the mixed number
The remainder 1 forms the numerator of the fraction
The divisor 6 forms the denominator of the fraction.
Thus, \(\frac{13}{6}\) = \(2\frac{1}{6}\)
Observe the following diagram:
\(\frac{13}{6}\) means dividing the whole into 6 equal parts and considering 13 such parts.
13 such parts = 6 parts + 6 parts + 1 part
= 1 + 1 + \(\frac{1}{6}\) = \(2\frac{1}{6}\) (6 parts make 1 whole)
Consider another improper fraction \(\frac{8}{3}\). In order to convert it into a mixed number, divide the numerator 8 by the denominator 3.
The quotient 2 forms the whole number of the mixed number
The remainder 2 forms the numerator of the fraction
The divisor 3 forms the denominator of the fraction.
Thus, \(\frac{8}{3}\) = \(2\frac{2}{3}\)
Observe the following diagram:
\(\frac{8}{3}\) means dividing the whole into 3 equal parts and considering 8 such parts.
8 such parts = 3 parts + 3 parts + 2 parts
= 1 + 1 + \(\frac{2}{3}\) = \(2\frac{2}{3}\) (3 parts make 1 whole)