❗️The Problem: “Improper Fractions are Too Confusing!”
Improper fractions trip up even confident students. Questions like:
“Why is the top number bigger than the bottom?”
“Do I treat it like a whole number?”
“Why do I need to change it?”
…are all too common.
Many kids hit a wall with improper fractions, leading to math anxiety and falling behind in class. The reality? Improper fractions are a foundational skill—key to understanding everything from division to algebra.
If a child doesn’t grasp how to work with them, their confidence (and test scores) can quickly crumble.
⚡️Activate: Fractions Start Making Sense
Let’s look at Jasmine, a 6th grader who struggled with improper fractions. Her teacher moved fast through the material, and she was too afraid to ask questions. When her mom sat down to help, she realized Jasmine didn’t understand why improper fractions exist—only that they seemed “wrong.”
With the right visuals, real-life examples, and consistent practice (including a few videos from The Teacher’s Dungeon ), Jasmine not only caught up—she now helps her classmates!
The key? A step-by-step breakdown. That’s exactly what we’ll give you here.
Start Here: What Is an Improper Fraction?
Before we dive into operations, check out this short video that introduces improper fractions in a simple, visual way. You’ll learn:
- What improper fractions are
- How they compare to mixed numbers
- Why they matter in everyday math
Improper fractions are just fractions where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. For example:
- 5/3 ✅
- 7/4 ✅
- 10/10 ✅ (This equals 1!)
Now let’s learn what to do with them. ✍️
➕ How to Add Improper Fractions
When adding improper fractions:
- Make sure denominators are the same.
- Add the numerators.
- Simplify if needed (or convert to a mixed number).
Example: 5/4 + 3/4 = (5+3)/4 = 8/4 = 2
Example: 7/6 + 5/6 = 12/6 = 2
Tip: Always reduce your answer or convert it to a mixed number if the problem asks!
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➖ How to Subtract Improper Fractions
- Same denominator? Subtract numerators.
- Simplify if needed.
Example: 9/5 – 4/5 = (9-4)/5 = 5/5 = 1
Example: 11/6 – 3/6 = 8/6 = 1 2/6, which simplifies to 1 1/3
Shortcut: Keep denominators the same before subtracting—don’t overcomplicate!
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✖️ How to Multiply Improper Fractions
Multiply across numerators and denominators.
Example: (4/3) × (5/2) = (4×5)/(3×2) = 20/6 = 3 1/3
Example: (7/4) × (3/5) = 21/20 = 1 1/20
Always simplify the final answer!
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➗ How to Divide Improper Fractions
Use the “Keep-Change-Flip” rule:
- Keep the first fraction.
- Change the sign from ÷ to ×.
- Flip the second fraction.
Example: (7/3) ÷ (2/5) = (7/3) × (5/2) = 35/6 = 5 5/6
Example: (9/4) ÷ (3/2) = (9/4) × (2/3) = 18/12 = 1 1/2
Pro Tip: This is where many students mess up—don’t forget to flip!
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Video: Whole Number ÷ Mixed Number? Here’s How!
Ever wonder how to divide a whole number by a mixed number? Watch our breakdown here:
In this video, we:
- Convert the mixed number into an improper fraction
- Write the whole number as a fraction
- Use Keep-Change-Flip to solve!
Example in video: 5 ÷ 2 1/2 = 5/1 ÷ 5/2 = 5/1 × 2/5 = 2
Great for upper-elementary and middle school students!
BONUS Video: Dividing One Mixed Number by Another
Ready for a challenge? In this video, we walk you through dividing one mixed number by another—a key skill for more advanced problems.
Steps covered:
- Convert both mixed numbers to improper fractions
- Apply Keep-Change-Flip
- Simplify to final answer
Example in video: 2 1/3 ÷ 1 1/2 = 7/3 ÷ 3/2 = 7/3 × 2/3 = 14/9 = 1 5/9
Real-world applications? Think recipes, carpentry, even science labs!
Final Thoughts: Fractions Don’t Have to Be Frustrating
Improper fractions feel intimidating because they look “wrong” at first glance. But once you understand how they work—and why we use them—they become a natural part of math success.
Whether you’re adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing, the steps are clear. With practice, your child can master improper fractions and even enjoy the process.
Try out sample problems. Watch the videos. Use The Teacher’s Dungeon for interactive practice.
Let’s turn fraction fear into fraction confidence. ➗
✨ Ready to Learn More?
Sign up for a FREE trial of The Teacher’s Dungeon and explore more game-based lessons with built-in video support. Empower your child to succeed—one fraction at a time!
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