When converting a mixed number to an improper fraction, what remains the same?

When converting a mixed number to an improper fraction, what remains the same?

• A. The numerator.
• B. The whole number.
• C. The denominator.
• D. The remainder.

Answer: (C)

When you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, you’re counting all pieces in units of the same size as the fractional part, so the size of each piece (the denominator) stays the same. If the mixed number is w and p/q, the improper fraction is (w×q + p)/q. The denominator stays q because you’re just turning the whole parts into more of the same-sized pieces. For example, 3 4/5 becomes (3×5 + 4)/5 = 19/5. The numerator changes to reflect all the pieces you have, while the denominator remains 5. There isn’t a separate remainder in the final improper fraction; you’ve just combined everything into a single numerator over the same denominator.

When you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, you’re counting all pieces in units of the same size as the fractional part, so the size of each piece (the denominator) stays the same. If the mixed number is w and p/q, the improper fraction is (w×q + p)/q. The denominator stays q because you’re just turning the whole parts into more of the same-sized pieces.

For example, 3 4/5 becomes (3×5 + 4)/5 = 19/5. The numerator changes to reflect all the pieces you have, while the denominator remains 5. There isn’t a separate remainder in the final improper fraction; you’ve just combined everything into a single numerator over the same denominator.