A fraction is part of a unit. The top number in the fraction is called the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator . In all fractions, the numerator is being divided by the denominator. See Example 1. A mixed number is a whole number along with a fraction.
Some improper fractions are also whole numbers.
See Example 2. As previously mentioned, mixed numbers may be written as improper fractions, and vice versa. Mixed numbers must be changed to improper fractions before any of the four mathematical functions can be performed. To convert from a mixed number to an improper fraction, follow these steps. See Example 3 for a sample problem.