Types of Fractions

Objective

Students will differentiate between proper, improper, and mixed numbers and convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Fraction manipulatives (e.g., fraction bars or tiles)
• Worksheets with conversion exercises (e.g., 7/2 to mixed number)
• (Optional: Use our Visual Fraction Models tool to demonstrate improper fractions and mixed numbers.)

Instructions

1. Recap fractions as parts of a whole.
2. Define: Proper fractions (numerator < denominator, e.g., 2/3), Improper fractions (numerator ≥ denominator, e.g., 5/4), Mixed numbers (whole number + fraction, e.g., 1 1/4).
3. Show how to convert: Improper to mixed (7/2 = 3 1/2 - divide 7 by 2), Mixed to improper (2 1/3 = 7/3 - multiply 2 by 3, add 1).
4. Use manipulatives to visualize (e.g., stack bars for 5/4).
5. Students practice conversions on the whiteboard (e.g., 9/4, 1 2/3).
6. Distribute worksheets for solo practice.

Activities

Assessment

• Check accuracy during the race.
• Review worksheets to ensure correct conversions.