Mixed Number – Definition, Example, Facts

What are Mixed Numbers?

A mixed number is a whole number, and a proper fraction represented together.  It generally represents a number between any two whole numbers. 

Look at the given image, it represents a fraction that is greater than 1 but less than 2. It is thus, a mixed number. 

Some other examples of mixed numbers are

Parts of a Mixed Number

A mixed number is formed by combining three parts: a whole number, a numerator, and a denominator. The numerator and denominator are part of the proper fraction that makes the mixed number.

Properties of Mixed Numbers 

• It is partly a whole number.  
• It is partly a fraction.

Converting improper fractions to mixed fractions.

Step 1: Divide the numerator by the denominator.

Step 2: Write down the quotient as the whole number.

Step 3: Write down the remainder as the numerator and the divisor as the denominator.

For example, we follow the given steps to convert 7/3 into a mixed number form.

Step 1: Divide 7 by 3

Step 2: Write quotient, divisor and remainder in form as in step 2 and step 3 above.

Adding Mixed Numbers 

One can add mixed numbers by rearranging the whole numbers, adding them separately and adding the leftover fractions individually and in the end combing them all.  

1 ¹⁄₂ + 3 ³⁄₄ 

Adding the whole numbers separately and the fractions separately. 

For whole numbers:

1+3 = 4

For fractions:  Find the LCM and then add

In the end, adding both the parts together. 

4+1 ¹⁄₄ =5 ¹⁄₄ 

Real Life Examples of Mixed Numbers

We can check our understanding of mixed fractions by expressing the parts of a whole as mixed fractions while serving a pizza or a pie at home. Leftover pizzas, half-filled glasses of milk form examples of mixed fractions.

Fun Facts – Mixed numbers are also called mixed fractions.