How to Simplify an Improper Fraction

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Determine whether your fraction is improper.

   An improper fraction is a fraction that has a larger numerator than denominator.For example, 104{\displaystyle {\frac {10}{4}}} is an improper fraction, because ten is greater than
   4.
2. 2

   Step 2: Interpret the denominator.

   The denominator is the number below the fraction bar.
   
   It tells you how many equal pieces a whole is divided into.
   
   For example, in the fraction 104{\displaystyle {\frac {10}{4}}}, 4 is the denominator, and it tells you that a whole is divided into four equal parts, or quarters. , The numerator is the number above the fraction bar.
   
   It tells you how many pieces you have.
   
   For example, in the fraction 104{\displaystyle {\frac {10}{4}}}, 10 is the numerator, and it tells you that you have 10 parts, or 10 quarters. , Divide each whole according to the denominator of your fraction.
   
   For example, if your denominator is 4, then divide each circle you draw into 4 equal pieces, or quarters. , The number in the numerator tells you how many pieces you should shade in.
   
   For example, if your fraction is 104{\displaystyle {\frac {10}{4}}}, you will shade in 10 quarters. , To simplify an improper fraction, you must turn it into a mixed number, which includes a whole number and a fraction together.
   
   The number of whole circles you shaded in represents the whole number of your mixed fraction.
   
   Write this number down.
   
   For example, for the fraction 104{\displaystyle {\frac {10}{4}}}, you should have shaded in 2 whole circles, so the whole number of your mixed number will be
   2. , The leftover shaded parts will represent the fraction in your mixed number.
   
   Write this fraction next to your whole number, and you have your mixed number.
   
   For the fraction 104{\displaystyle {\frac {10}{4}}}, you should have shaded in 24{\displaystyle {\frac {2}{4}}} of a circle, so the fraction part of your mixed number will be 24{\displaystyle {\frac {2}{4}}}.
   
   So 104{\displaystyle {\frac {10}{4}}} is equal to 224{\displaystyle 2{\frac {2}{4}}}. , Sometimes the fraction of your mixed number will need to be reduced before you reach your final, simplified answer.For example, if your mixed number is 224{\displaystyle 2{\frac {2}{4}}}, you could simplify it to 212{\displaystyle 2{\frac {1}{2}}}
3. 3

   Step 3: Interpret the numerator.

4. 4

   Step 4: Draw circles to represent the whole.

5. 5

   Step 5: Shade in pieces according to your numerator.

6. 6

   Step 6: Count how many whole circles you shaded in.

7. 7

   Step 7: Count how many parts of a whole you shaded in.

8. 8

   Step 8: Simplify your answer

9. 9

   Step 9: if necessary.

Detailed Guide

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