Mixed numbers
You learn to write a fraction bigger than 1 as a whole and a fraction, like 74 = 1 34.
How to work it out
- Divide the numerator by the denominator.
- The whole number is how many wholes.
- The remainder goes over the denominator.
A worked example
52
- Look how many times 2 goes into 5: 2 × 2 = 4, so 2 times.
- 5 − 4 = 1 is left.
- It is 2 12.
More examples
74
- Look how many times 4 goes into 7: 1 × 4 = 4, so once.
- 7 − 4 = 3 is left.
- It is 1 34.
113
- Look how many times 3 goes into 11: 3 × 3 = 9, so 3 times.
- 11 − 9 = 2 is left.
- It is 3 23.
Watch out
You put the remainder below the line: 74 becomes 1 43.
The number below the line stays the same: they are still quarters. The remainder goes above the line.
You forget the remainder: 74 becomes 1.
Take away the whole and see what is left: 7 − 4 = 3. Those 3 quarters go with it.
Tips
- The number below the line stays the same: they are still quarters.
Why it works
With 74 you have 7 quarters. Every 4 quarters make one whole. Count how many times 4 goes into 7 to find the wholes, and write the quarters left over after it.