Guide
How to Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
Turning a mixed number into an improper fraction takes one multiplication and one addition.
Turning a mixed number into an improper fraction takes one multiplication and one addition.
What you're doing
A mixed number like 2 1/3 is a whole number plus a fraction. To write it as a single improper fraction, you express the whole number in terms of the same denominator and combine.
The method: multiply, add, keep
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and keep the denominator. For 2 1/3: multiply 2 x 3 = 6, add 1 to get 7, keep the denominator 3. The result is 7/3.
Another example
Convert 3 3/4. Multiply 3 x 4 = 12, add 3 to get 15, keep 4. So 3 3/4 = 15/4.
Why convert at all
Improper fractions are easier to multiply and divide, so this step is often the first thing you do when calculating with mixed numbers.
Related tools & guides
Frequently asked
How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and keep the same denominator. For 2 1/3: (2 x 3 + 1)/3 = 7/3.
What is 3 3/4 as an improper fraction?
Multiply 3 x 4 = 12, add 3 to get 15, keep the denominator 4: 15/4.
Why convert mixed numbers to improper fractions?
Because improper fractions are far easier to multiply and divide, so it's usually the first step in calculating with mixed numbers.