Mixed number
A mixed number (also called a mixed fraction) is a number which contains a whole number and a fraction added together. For instance 1 ½, in words "one and a half", is the same as 1 + ½, or "one plus one half." It is another way of writing 3/2 or "three over two" or "three halves", which is an improper fraction. Both ways of writing the number are correct.
Examples
| Mixed number in plain text | Mixed number in math notation | Mixed number in words | Equivalent improper fraction | Equivalent decimal | Picture | Picture description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 1/2 | [math]\displaystyle{ 1 \frac{1}{2} }[/math] | One and a half | 3/2 | 1.5 | 
|
The picture shows 1 ½ circles shaded in grey. |
| 3 3/4 | [math]\displaystyle{ 3 \frac{3}{4} }[/math] | Three and three quarters | 15/4 | 3.75 | 
|
The picture shows [math]\displaystyle{ 3 \frac{3}{4} }[/math]circles shaded in grey. |
Mixed Number Media
A cake with one quarter (one fourth) removed. The remaining three fourths are shown by dotted lines and labeled by the fraction 14
If \tfrac12 of a cake is to be added to \tfrac14 of a cake, the pieces need to be converted into comparable quantities, such as cake-eighths or cake-quarters.
