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      Explain how a mixed number is converted into an improper fraction

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how a mixed number is converted into an improper fraction.

      Key learning points

      1. Times table knowledge can help to convert a mixed number to an improper fraction.
      2. Calculate how many of the fraction are needed to equal the value of the whole number.
      3. Add the value of the fraction part to the numerator of the fraction equivalent to the whole number part.

      Keywords

      • Mixed number - A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined.

      • Improper fraction - An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator (the top number) is greater than or equal to the denominator (the bottom number).

      Common misconception

      Children may make mistakes when using the generalisation if they are unaware of the structure behind it and the reason that we multiply then add.

      First multiply the whole number by the denominator then add the numerator. Multiplying the whole number by the denominator tells us the number of parts that can be made from the whole number part then we need to add the parts shown by the numerator.

      Teacher tip

      A secure recall of multiplication facts is beneficial in this lesson. If pupils are less secure consider providing a multiplication square to allow them to focus on the concept of converting. Children should start by identifying the unit that they are working with by looking at the denominator.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following are improper fractions?

      Correct answer: $$ {8} \over {7}$$
      $$1{{8} \over {9}}$$
      Correct answer: $$ {7} \over {4}$$
      $$ {3} \over {9}$$
      $$ {1} \over {10}$$

      Q2.
      Which of the following are mixed numbers?

      Correct answer: $$ 3{{2} \over {6}}$$
      Correct answer: $$1{{3} \over {9}}$$
      $$ {7} \over {4}$$
      $$ {10} \over {9}$$
      Correct answer: $$ 2{{1} \over {4}}$$

      Q3.
      Match the equation to its product.

      Correct Answer:2 × 8 = ,16

      16

      Correct Answer:3 × 8 = ,24

      24

      Correct Answer:8 × 5 = ,40

      40

      Correct Answer:8 × 6 = ,48

      48

      Correct Answer:11 × 8 = ,88

      88

      Q4.
      Match the calculation to its answer.

      Correct Answer:3 × 8 + 1 = ,25

      25

      Correct Answer:5 × 8 + 3 =,43

      43

      Correct Answer:8 × 2 + 2 =,18

      18

      Correct Answer:8 × 5 + 4 =,44

      44

      Correct Answer:7 × 8 + 7 =,63

      63

      Q5.
      Aisha has two and one-tenth of a metre of string. Which unit does she need to be thinking about?

      halves
      thirds
      quarters
      fifths
      Correct answer: tenths

      Q6.
      Express $$ {15} \over {7}$$ as a mixed number.

      $$ {1} \over {7}$$
      $$ 1{{1} \over {7}}$$
      Correct answer: $$ 2{{1} \over {7}}$$
      $$ 2{{2} \over {7}}$$
      $$ 3{{1} \over {7}}$$

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Aisha represents two and one-eighth with number rods. Which unit does she need to be thinking about?

      An image in a quiz
      sixths
      sevenths
      Correct answer: eighths
      ninths
      tenths

      Q2.
      Complete the sentence. There are eighths in one whole.

      Correct Answer: eight, 8

      Q3.
      How many full groups of eight eighths can be made from two and one-eighth?

      1
      Correct answer: 2
      3
      4
      5

      Q4.
      How would you write two and one eighth as a mixed number?

      $$ 1{{1} \over {8}}$$
      Correct answer: $$2{{1} \over {8}}$$
      $$ {21} \over {8}$$
      $$ 2{{2} \over {8}}$$
      $$ {1} \over {28}$$

      Q5.
      Express $$2{{1} \over {8}}$$ as an improper fraction.

      $$ {21} \over {8}$$
      $$ {2} \over {8}$$
      $$ {16} \over {8}$$
      Correct answer: $$ {17} \over {8}$$
      $$ {1} \over {8}$$

      Q6.
      Match the mixed number to its improper fraction equivalent.

      Correct Answer:$$1{{2} \over {7}}$$ ,$$ {9} \over {7}$$

      $$ {9} \over {7}$$

      Correct Answer:$$2{{3} \over {7}}$$ ,$$ {17} \over {7}$$

      $$ {17} \over {7}$$

      Correct Answer:$$4{{5} \over {7}}$$ ,$$ {33} \over {7}$$

      $$ {33} \over {7}$$

      Correct Answer:$$4{{6} \over {7}}$$ ,$$ {34} \over {7}$$

      $$ {34} \over {7}$$

      Correct Answer:$$5{{1} \over {7}}$$ ,$$ {36} \over {7}$$

      $$ {36} \over {7}$$


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