6th Grade Math Lesson Plan: Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions: Part II

Objective: Students will convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.

Lesson Opening

1. What is an improper fraction? (A fraction with a numerator that is bigger than the denominator). What is another name for an improper fraction? (A top heavy fraction.) Give an example of one. How do you convert it to a mixed number? What is a mixed number? (A number that contains a fraction and a whole number.) These are all question to open up the lesson.

Guided Practice

1. OK, so most people prefer mixed number to improper fractions. But sometimes it's better to have improper fractions. For instance, when we multiply and divide fractions, it is ten times easier if they are in improper fraction form. So you will need to know how to switch fractions back and forth.

1. The first option is to draw a picture and do a representation. Show the children how 2 2/3 can be drawn as a picture and how that enables you to see how to turn it into an improper fraction. Again, if this does not make sense, please let me know and I will show you what I mean.

Independent Practice

1. The first thing to pay attention to when you look at the mixed number is the denominator of the fraction. The denominator of the fraction will be the denominator of the mixed number. In my experience, this is one place that children often make mistakes.

1. In order to find the numerator, you multiply the whole number times the denominator and add the numerator. That new number is the numerator of your improper fraction.

1. Pass out worksheets. Again, you may want to do the first page as guided practice. Again, whatever they do not finish on the back page is for homework.

Closing

1. Ask students which is easier, going from improper fractions to mixed numbers or going from mixed numbers to improper fractions.