Fractions greater than 1 - Maths - Learning with ��ý Bitesize

What are improper fractions?

The fraction six thirds with the top number labelled the numerator and the bottom number labelled the denominator

Let's look at how to represent fractions that are greater than 1.

An improper fraction is where the numerator (the top number) is greater than or equal to the denominator (the bottom number).

Improper fractions that are greater than 1 can be represented using bar models and part-whole models and can be converted to whole numbers and fractions.

Bar model

Here is a bar model split into three parts. Each part = one third or \(\frac{1}{3}\).

How many thirds make 1 whole?

Three thirds make one whole. \(\frac{3}{3}\)= 1 whole.

Bar models showing one third, two thirds, and three thirds

Part whole model

We can use a part-whole model to help us convert an improper fraction into a mixed number.

What is \( \frac{8}{3}\) as a mixed number?

In this diagram \( \frac{8}{3}\) has been partitioned into \(\frac{6}{3}\) and \( \frac{2}{3}\).

The first part is\( \frac{6}{3}\) which is the equivalent of 2 wholes and the second part is the fraction which represents\( \frac{2}{3}\).

\( \frac{8}{3}\) = 2 wholes and two thirds which can also be written as 2\( \frac{2}{3}\).

A part whole model representing 8 thirds or 2 wholes and 2 thirds

Activities

Activity 1

Put your skills to the test and see if you can match the fractions with the diagrams in this quiz.

Activity 2

Now try your hand at some trickier fractions questions!

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