Class Notes: Understanding Improper Fractions

What is an Improper Fraction?

• An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Examples

1. 4/5

   • Numerator (4) < Denominator (5)
   • Not an improper fraction (Proper fraction)

2. 7/6

   • Numerator (7) > Denominator (6)
   • Improper fraction

3. 3/5

   • Numerator (3) < Denominator (5)
   • Not an improper fraction (Proper fraction)

4. 4/4

   • Numerator (4) = Denominator (4)
   • Improper fraction

5. 9/7

   • Numerator (9) > Denominator (7)
   • Improper fraction

Quick Identification

• If the numerator (top number) is greater than or equal to the denominator (bottom number), it's an improper fraction.
• If the numerator is less than the denominator, it's a proper fraction.