An Improper Fraction is one whose numerator is equal to, or greater than its denominator, as 5⁄5, 9⁄7, 30⁄12, etc. Its value is never less than 1.
A Mixed Number is a whole number and a fraction; as 32⁄5, 101⁄2, 62⁄3.
The mixed number means that there are whole things taken together with a fraction of another.
A Complex Fraction is one in which the numerator or denominator, or both, are fractions.
Thus 31⁄723⁄8, 15⁄6 × 3⁄4, 15⁄178, are complex fractions.
SIMPLE FRACTIONS
A very good method of learning the combinations in small fractions is by the use of paper or cardboard disks.
Cut out a large number of them, and, in order to avoid trouble later on, it might be better to have the disks all of one size—about 4 inches in diameter.
Learning the Fraction 1⁄2 With Disks
Explanation:—Take a circular disk and cut it into two equal parts. Then proceed in this manner: What is this part called? What is other part called? How many halves in the whole circle? One-half and one-half are what? One-half taken away from one leaves what? If I take a half two times, what do I get? How many halves in a whole?