A mixed number is an integer followed by a fraction, like 1¹/ ₂. It is another form of an improper fraction, which is a fraction greater than one. But operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division can only be performed on the improper fraction form, so you need to know how to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.

 

    Let’s convert the mixed number 1¹ /₂ into an improper fraction. First, you multiply the integer portion of the mixed number by the denominator, and add that product to the numerator. So 1 2 + 1 = 3, making 3 the numerator of the improper fraction. Now, simply put 3 over the original denominator, 2, and you have your converted fraction.