When changing an improper fraction to a mixed number, what do you calculate first?

When changing an improper fraction to a mixed number, what do you calculate first?

• A. Multiply the denominator by the numerator
• B. Divide the numerator by the denominator
• C. Subtract the numerator from the denominator
• D. Add the numerator to the denominator

Answer: (B)

To convert an improper fraction into a mixed number, the first step involves dividing the numerator by the denominator. This division gives you the whole number part of the mixed number. For example, if you have the improper fraction \( \frac{9}{4} \), you would divide 9 by 4, which results in 2 with a remainder of 1. The quotient (2 in this case) becomes the whole number part, and the remainder (1) is used as the new numerator of the fractional part, with the original denominator (4) remaining the same. So, \( \frac{9}{4} \) converts to the mixed number \( 2 \frac{1}{4} \). The other operations such as multiplying the denominator by the numerator, subtracting the numerator from the denominator, or adding the numerator to the denominator do not lead to obtaining the mixed number effectively, as they do not provide the necessary whole number part in relation to the improper fraction. Thus, the most appropriate and necessary first step in the conversion process is indeed dividing the numerator by the denominator.

To convert an improper fraction into a mixed number, the first step involves dividing the numerator by the denominator. This division gives you the whole number part of the mixed number. For example, if you have the improper fraction ( \frac{9}{4} ), you would divide 9 by 4, which results in 2 with a remainder of 1.

The quotient (2 in this case) becomes the whole number part, and the remainder (1) is used as the new numerator of the fractional part, with the original denominator (4) remaining the same. So, ( \frac{9}{4} ) converts to the mixed number ( 2 \frac{1}{4} ).

The other operations such as multiplying the denominator by the numerator, subtracting the numerator from the denominator, or adding the numerator to the denominator do not lead to obtaining the mixed number effectively, as they do not provide the necessary whole number part in relation to the improper fraction. Thus, the most appropriate and necessary first step in the conversion process is indeed dividing the numerator by the denominator.