The easiest way to convert a mixed number into the simplest form is to convert it into a fraction, simplify the fraction and then change it into its simplest form. If, for example, you had to convert five and three twelfths into the simplest form, it would be 5 ¼ because three twelfths can be simplified into a quarter.
A mixed number is a number that is written as a whole number or a fraction. Mixed numbers have two parts: A part that tells you the wholes and a fractional part that is less than one whole. A mixed number can be written as a fraction if you count all the parts. An example of a mixed number would be 1 1/3 which means it is one whole and one third. If this were to be converted into a fraction and simplified it would be 4/3 because the whole already have three thirds and when added to one third, it makes four thirds which is represented by four over three.
The simplest form of a number involves simplifying it and basically putting it into the easiest form to deal with and reducing it into the lowest form. The easiest way to understand this is to imagine any fraction as a diagram. For example the fraction 3/12 could be imaged as a circle divided into 12 with three parts coloured in. A quarter of the circle would be coloured in. An easier way to represent this would be as ¼ which is one quarter is easier to understand as it is a simpler form. You work this out by asking yourself, ‘How many threes are in 12?’ The answer is four so this is one over four.
A mixed number is a number that is written as a whole number or a fraction. Mixed numbers have two parts: A part that tells you the wholes and a fractional part that is less than one whole. A mixed number can be written as a fraction if you count all the parts. An example of a mixed number would be 1 1/3 which means it is one whole and one third. If this were to be converted into a fraction and simplified it would be 4/3 because the whole already have three thirds and when added to one third, it makes four thirds which is represented by four over three.
The simplest form of a number involves simplifying it and basically putting it into the easiest form to deal with and reducing it into the lowest form. The easiest way to understand this is to imagine any fraction as a diagram. For example the fraction 3/12 could be imaged as a circle divided into 12 with three parts coloured in. A quarter of the circle would be coloured in. An easier way to represent this would be as ¼ which is one quarter is easier to understand as it is a simpler form. You work this out by asking yourself, ‘How many threes are in 12?’ The answer is four so this is one over four.
