Mixed Fraction: Definition, Examples

Mixed fractions are a special type of fractions. In this post, we will learn the definition of a mixed fraction with examples.

Definition of Mixed Fraction

A fraction is called a mixed fraction if it is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction. For example, 2${\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}$ is a mixed fraction.

By definition, a mixed fraction always lies between two consecutive whole numbers. see that the above mixed fraction 1${\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}$ lies between 1 and 2.

Mixed Fraction Examples

• 2${\displaystyle \frac{2}{3}}$ is a mixed fraction as it is a combination of the whole number 2 and the proper fraction ${\displaystyle \frac{2}{3}}$.
• Similarly, 3${\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}}$, 5${\displaystyle \frac{7}{8}}$ are mixed fractions.
• The general form of a mixed fraction is $a{\displaystyle \frac{b}{c}}$ where a,b, and c are whole numbers and b<c.
• 2${\displaystyle \frac{3}{2}}$ is not a mixed fraction as ${\displaystyle \frac{3}{2}}$ is not a proper fraction.

Question 1:

Is ${\displaystyle \frac{5}{2}}$ is a mixed fraction?

Answer:

As ${\displaystyle \frac{5}{2}}$ is an improper fraction, it is not a mixed fraction. But this improper fraction can be converted into a mixed fraction. See the steps

${\displaystyle \frac{5}{2}}$

= ${\displaystyle \frac{4+1}{2}}$

= ${\displaystyle \frac{4}{2}}+{\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}$

= $2+{\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}$

= 2 ${\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}$ which is a mixed fraction.

In the above way, we can convert an improper fraction into a mixed fraction easily.

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