mixed numbers to improper fractions?

Question

 When and why do you need to change mixed numbers to improper fractions?

Answer 1

Generally when adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing fractions

that include mixed numerals it is easer to convert all to improper

fractions for ease of calculation.

 

(2 1/5)(3 2/3)

This is difficult unless you convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions

(11/5)(11/3) = 121/15 =  8 1/15

 

(2 1/5) + (3 2/3) ...

This you can either do as 2 + 3 + 1/5 + 2/3 = 5 + 3/15 + 10/15 = 5 13/15

or convert to mixed numbers first...

11/5 + 11/3 = 33/15 + 55/15 = 88/15 = 5 13/15