Question

What is the step-by-step process to convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, as described in the solution to Emma's pizza problem?

Answer 1

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, you can follow these simple steps:

1. **Identify the Improper Fraction**: Ensure you have an improper fraction, which is a fraction where the numerator (top number) is greater than or equal to the denominator (bottom number).

2. **Divide the Numerator by the Denominator**: Perform the division of the numerator by the denominator. This can be done using long division or simple division.

3. **Determine the Whole Number Part**: The result of the division gives you the whole number part of the mixed number. This is the number of times the denominator fits into the numerator.

4. **Calculate the Remainder**: After you have the whole number part, determine the remainder of the division. The remainder is what is left over after taking out the whole number of times the denominator can fit into the numerator.

5. **Form the Fraction Part**: The remainder becomes the new numerator of the fractional part, while the denominator remains the same.

6. **Combine the Whole Number and Fraction**: Finally, write the mixed number by combining the whole number part with the new fraction (the remainder over the original denominator).

### Example:

Let's convert the improper fraction \( \frac{9}{4} \) to a mixed number.

1. **Identify the Improper Fraction**: \( \frac{9}{4} \)
2. **Divide the Numerator by the Denominator**: \( 9 \div 4 = 2 \) (as \( 4 \) goes into \( 9 \) two times)
3. **Determine the Whole Number Part**: The whole number part is \( 2 \).
4. **Calculate the Remainder**: \( 9 - (4 \times 2) = 9 - 8 = 1 \) (the remainder is \( 1 \))
5. **Form the Fraction Part**: The new fraction part is \( \frac{1}{4} \) (the remainder over the original denominator).
6. **Combine the Whole Number and Fraction**: The mixed number is \( 2 \frac{1}{4} \).

So, \( \frac{9}{4} \) as a mixed number is \( 2 \frac{1}{4} \).