Mixed numbers to improper fractions

How to convert mixed numbers (also called mixed fractions) to improper fractions

A skill typically taught in, or at least reviewed in, seventh (7th) grade math these days.

1) Multiply the denominator (the bottom part of the fraction) by the whole number.

2) Take the answer to step 1, and add that number to the numerator (the top part of the fraction).

3) The final number you come up with (after completing the first two steps) becomes your new numerator. The denominator stays the same.

Example:

As we can see from the above example, we take the denominator (2) and multiply it by the whole number (which also happens to be 2). 2 x 2 = 4. We then add the numerator (1) to our answer of 4. 4+1 = 5. Therefore, 5 becomes our new numerator, while the denominator remains the same.