Types of Fractions?
1. What are the different types of fractions?
There are 3 different types of fractions:
- Proper fractions
- Improper fractions
- Mixed numbers or mixed fractions
2. What are Proper Fractions?
In a proper fraction, the numerator (top number) is smaller than the denominator (bottom number).
Examples:
,
,
, etc.
Examples:
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 12 |
| 17 |
3. What are Improper Fractions?
In an improper fraction, the numerator (top number) is bigger than or equal to the denominator (bottom number).
Examples:
,
,
,
, etc.
Examples:
| 4 |
| 3 |
| 6 |
| 5 |
| 10 |
| 7 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
4. What are Mixed Numbers or Mixed Fractions?
A mixed number is made up of two parts - a whole number and a proper fraction.
Examples:
,
,
,
, etc.
Examples:
| 5 | 2 |
| 3 |
| 1 | 1 |
| 4 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 12 |
| 2 | 1 |
| 2 |
Notes:
- Improper fractions can be converted to mixed numbers and mixed numbers can be converted back to improper fractions. Improper fractions and mixed numbers are 2 different ways to represent the same number.
- Improper fractions are useful when writing mathematical formulae. Compared to a mixed number, it's easier to write, use and operate upon a number written as an improper fraction and not be confused.
- Mixed numbers have their utility when talking about quantities in day-to-day life. For example, you say,
"I need
cups of sugar for the cake." instead of2 1 2
"I need
cups of sugar for the cake."5 2
Although they both mean the same amount of sugar,
cups of sugar makes more sense than2 1 2
cups of sugar.5 2