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When you are adding, subtracting, multiplying, or especially dividing fractions and mixed numbers, it is much easier to use improper fraction forms. You do not have to worry about borrowing, or separate calculations for the wholes and fractions.

Examples:

(4 2/3 - 1 5/6)

Convert the mixed numbers to 14/3 - 11/6 ,

then into common denominators 28/6 - 11/6

and you can find the answer is 17/6 which is also the mixed number 2 5/6

(1 3/5 x 3 3/4)

Converting, these are 8/5 x 15/4, and

multiplying numerators and denominators gives you 120/20 = 6

which is a simple result that was not immediately obvious.

(3 3/4 divided by 1 5/8)

Converting, these become 15/4 divided by 13/8 and you divide

by multiplying by the reciprocal (invert the second fraction)

which gives you 15/4 x 8/13 which is 120/52 = 2 16/52 = 2 4/13

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Q: Why do you need to change a mixed number to an improper fraction?
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Related questions

How do you change fraction to a mixed number?

You do the numerator divided by the denominator, then simplify the fractions if you can. (this is how you change a improper fraction to a mixed number, you cannot change a proper fraction to a mixed number)


How do you subtract mixed numbers and improper fraction?

First you would want to change the mixed number to an improper fraction. Then you can subtract


How do you put an improper mixed number in simplest form?

You change it into an improper fraction, then simplify it, then if you want to, change it back to a mixed number.


How do you change a common fraction into a mixed number?

If its not an improper fraction then you cant....


When dividig fractions what do you change a mixed number into?

You change them into improper or topheavy fractions.


When dividing fraction it is most helpful to change a mixed number into a?

improper fraction


When dividing a fraction it is most helpful to change a mixed number into a?

improper fraction


How do you change a proper fraction to a mixed number?

I don't think you can but, you can change an improper fraction to a decimal.


How do you add a mixed number and an improper fraction?

I wouldconvert both to improper fraction,find a common multiple (CM),calculate equivalent fraction with CM as the denominator,add the numerators,change the improper fraction to a mixed fraction, if required,simplify the fractional part of the mixed fraction - if appropriate and required.


When dividing fractions what is it most helpful to change a mixed number into?

improper fraction


Why do you have to change a mixed number to an improper fraction before multiplying mixed numbers?

You don't.


How do you find the inverse of a mixed number?

change it to an improper fraction and then divide it