3 Ways To Make Mixed Numbers As Improper Fractions Fun

You might think that making mixed numbers into improper fractions is about as fun as, well, doing math in the first place. But we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a total drag! In fact, with our tips and tricks, you might even enjoy teaching (or learning) this concept. Ready to have some fun? Let’s get started!

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I remember when I was a kid trying to figure out mixed numbers as improper fractions for the first time. I still laugh at my confusion! One day, when my teacher asked me what 2 3/4 would be as an improper fraction, I was totally stumped. So without thinking, I replied “9/2”! Needless to say, my teacher quickly pointed out that wasn’t quite right. I guess there are some times in life when we get the math wrong…literally. But eventually, it all worked out, and now I’m confident enough in my skills to add and subtract mixed numbers as if it’s second nature.

It’s important to show your kids that you too struggled with things as a student too. I find the more I share about my math history as a student they are more willing to open up to me about their struggles. I’m not saying to make up stories you need to be genuine with them. Trust me they will know the difference.

Mixed Numbers as Improper Fractions

Math has its own special language, and mixed numbers and improper fractions happen to be two peculiar phrases you’ll hear when working with fractions. Put simply, mixed numbers are a type of fraction in which the numerator (top number) is greater than the denominator (bottom number). For example, 4 1/2 is considered four mixed numbers because it has a whole number combined with a fraction of one-half. I always make sure to share with my kids that mixed numbers have an implied addition sign between the whole number and the fraction. This allows the kids to begin to see the whole number can be decomposed into fraction parts that are added to the fraction.

Improper fractions are the opposite: when the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. If you’ve ever played around with mixed numbers, they’re essentially just another way of writing down improper fractions – so don’t panic if you hear those phrases too! You can show 4 1/2 as an improper fraction by writing 9/2. Both fractions have the same value they are just shown in different ways.

Begin with Friendly Fractions First

Understanding fraction conversions can often seem daunting, but with the right visuals, it’s easy as pie! If fraction tiles are available, simply line them up and count how many fractional parts make up a whole. For example, two halves are equal to one whole, while five quarters would be equal to one and one-fourth. If fraction tiles aren’t available, you can draw pictures instead; a bowl of four apples cut into eight pieces demonstrates that 1/2 is equivalent to 4/8. It’s simple math once the fractions are shown as pictures. So the next time you’re trying to convert fractions, why not try visualizing it? You may just find that fraction conversions don’t have to feel like rocket science after all!

Fraction Tiles Make Improper Fractions Easy to See!

Fraction tiles are a great visual way to understand fraction math and make fraction operations like changing improper fractions to mixed numbers much easier! To use fraction tiles for improper fraction to mixed number conversion, start by setting out your fraction tiles in front of you. Place the number of tiles needed to model the fraction on top. Then count how many fraction pieces form a full whole – this number is the whole number in your mixed number. Finally, take away that whole tile from the numerator – what remains is the new numerator, and it becomes the numerator of your new mixed number! I usually pull a whole out and place it under the fraction tiles, and slower use the whole to push the fractional parts out so that the kids can see I’m simply changing a whole out for the small pieces. See? Fraction tiles make understanding fractions simpler.

When studying mixed numbers, fraction models are a helpful tool. Start by drawing a rectangle that represents the whole number part of the mixed number. Then, divide the rectangle into as many parts as indicated by the denominator of the fractional part of the mixed number. Label each part with its corresponding numerator value and shade it according to the denominator of the fractional part of the mixed number. This visual representation can be used to study and understand how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and mixed numbers. These picture models will allow your kids to move from a concert model to a representative model.

3 Simple Activities to Make Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions Fun

The Memory Match Game: Start by placing pairs of mixed numbers, and improper fractions on cards face down. Then, take turns to turn over two cards at a time. If the cards show the same mixed number or improper fraction, then keep them. If there is a match between a mixed number and its equivalent improper fraction, then keep those too! This is fun to also use puzzle pieces so that kids can make matches too. My kids love this game.

The Math Race Game: Divide into two teams and assign each team one type of fraction – mixed numbers or improper fractions – to convert first. Draw a start/finish line in the middle of the room or field. Then have players take turns running from one end to the other end while converting the given fractions correctly. The first team to correctly convert all their fractions wins!

Digital activities are also a great way for kids to practice while getting immediate feedback on their understanding. This type of assignment allows kids to keep working until they master the skill. Bonus that a lot of the activities such as Boom Cards, Pixel Artt, and Mazes are fun for kids to do. Read more about how to use them here.

Mixed numbers as improper fractions may seem like tricky concepts to learn, but with some practice and the right tools, you’ll be an expert at them in no time. Just remember: fraction tiles, visual models, and digital activities are your friend! Have fun exploring fraction conversions – you may even find it enjoyable! Who knew math could be so much fun? Good luck!

If you’d like to read more about how to assess your student’s knowledge after you’ve completed units. Check out this blog post about how to use self-check assessments.

This post is part of the March Mathness event. Click here for more information.