A mixed number is written in the form of a whole number plus a fraction: 6 3/4. 6 is the whole number. 3 is the numerator. 4 is the denominator. It is pronounced as: six and three fourth. Reducing mixed numbers is as simple as writing mixed numbers as improper fractions and then putting the fractions in lowest terms.
Instructions
1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator.
2. Add the numerator to the product (in step one) of the whole number and the denominator. This is your sum.
3. Make the sum in step two the new numerator.
4. Keep the denominator the same as in the original mixed fraction. This new fraction is called an improper fraction.
5. Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the new improper fraction in step four by listing the factors of the numerator, then listing the factors of the denominator. The greatest factor that is common in both the numerator and the denominator is the GCF.
6. Divide the numerator by the GCF.
7. Divide the denominator by the GCF.
Tags: whole number, improper fraction, listing factors, mixed numbers, number denominator