Converting between mixed numbers (e.g., 2¾) and improper fractions (e.g., 11/4), understanding when each form is appropriate.
Where your child meets this in real life: Expressing measurements like 1½ metres, recipe quantities, or time durations
Each SEAG paper has 28 maths questions. Questions 29 to 50 are multiple choice with five possible answers, and questions 51 to 56 need a short written answer. With 56 questions in 60 minutes across English and maths, that is about a minute per question.
SEAGReady breaks mixed numbers and improper fractions into 3 steps, taught in order so each skill builds on the last.
Identify improper fractions (where numerator ≥ denominator) and understand that they represent values ≥ 1 whole
Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers using division with remainders
Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions using: (whole × denominator) + numerator = new numerator
Try three free questions from our mixed numbers and improper fractions course. They start easy and get harder, so you can see where your child's confidence runs out. If they manage the last one without a hint, this topic is probably secure. If not, the steps above show where to start.
Lily is sorting fraction cards. She picks up the card showing 9/5. Is this an improper fraction?
Cara cut a cake into sixths and has 19/6 of cake. Convert this to a mixed number.
Erin says 3¼ equals 13/4. Poppy says it equals 7/2. Who is correct?
This is the exact interactive worked example your child sees in SEAGReady. Step through it and watch the method build up.
Jessica is sorting fraction cards for a maths game. She needs to find which fractions are 'improper' (equal to or greater than 1 whole).
Is 7/4 an improper fraction? How many wholes and parts does it represent?
7/4 = ?
Look at the top number (7) and bottom number (4)
Step 1 of 4
Jessica is sorting fraction cards for a maths game. She needs to find which fractions are 'improper' (equal to or greater than 1 whole).
Is 7/4 an improper fraction? How many wholes and parts does it represent?
7/4 is an improper fraction. It equals 1 whole and 3/4.
The key insight: When the top number is bigger than the bottom, you have MORE than 1 whole!
Common mix-up: 7/4 is a proper fraction because 4 is smaller than 7. It's the other way round! When the numerator (top) is bigger, the fraction is improper.
These are the misconceptions we see most often in mixed numbers and improper fractions, including the ones our practice questions are specifically designed to catch.
Struggling with mixed numbers and improper fractions? The real gap is often in one of these earlier topics.
Sitting the SEAG test this November? Read our last-month revision plan, Paper 1 vs Paper 2 and test day guide.
SEAGReady finds the exact step where your child gets stuck, teaches it with worked examples like the one above, and brings it back for review so it sticks.
Free to start · no card needed