Improper fractions and mixed numbers Fractions – everyone’s favourite maths topic! In real life some children find anything to do with fractions challenging if not incomprehensible. However, all is not lost if they are shown what fractions mean and how they relate to other numbers. In year 5 children will learn about mixed numbers and improper fractions and how to change one to the other. An improper fraction has a top number larger than (or equal to) the bottom number. This means that the value of the fraction is at least one whole one. 7/3 and 6/5 are both examples of improper fractions. A mixed number is a combination of whole numbers and fractions. 4 ¾ is an example of a mixed number. To convert improper fractions to mixed numbers is quite easy: •    Divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator (bottom number) •    Write down the whole number answer •    Write down any remainder as the top number of a fraction with the bottom number staying the same.. •    Simplify the fraction if necessary. To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction: •    Multiply the whole number by the fraction’s denominator •    Add that to the top number of the fraction •    Then rewrite the fraction with the new top number total. As with most things, these become quite easy once they have been practised a few times and we have a great selection of pages to help with both. Go to Year 5 Improper fractions and mixed numbers