A mixed number is a number that is made up of a whole number and a fraction. For example, the mixed number 2 1/2 is made up of the whole number 2 and the fraction 1/2. An improper fraction is a fraction that has a numerator that is greater than or equal to its denominator. For example, the improper fraction 5/2 is greater than 1, which is its denominator.
Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions is a useful skill to have because it allows you to perform operations on mixed numbers more easily. For example, it is easier to add or subtract mixed numbers when they are expressed as improper fractions. Additionally, improper fractions can be used to represent certain quantities more accurately than mixed numbers. For example, the improper fraction 3/4 represents the quantity three-fourths, which cannot be represented by a mixed number.
