Mixed Number to Fraction

A mixed number combines a whole number and a fraction, so to turn it into one fraction, first rewrite the whole number in the same denominator as the fractional part. Since one whole equals c/c, a wholes becomes ac/c, and then you add the extra b/c to get (ac+b)/c. This works because both parts are now measured in the same size pieces.

Use this when you need to do calculations with mixed numbers and want to compare, add, subtract, multiply, or divide them more easily. It is also common in algebra, measurement, and word problems where fractions should be written as a single fraction.

• Multiplying the whole number by the numerator instead of the denominator
• Forgetting to keep the same denominator after converting the whole number
• Adding the whole number directly to the numerator without converting it to equal-sized parts