To change improper fractions into mixed numbers in a simple way, let’s first understand what those terms mean.

An improper fraction is one where the top number (numerator) is bigger than or equal to the bottom number (denominator).

A mixed number has both a whole number and a proper fraction.

Steps to Convert

1. Divide the Top by the Bottom:

   • Let’s take the improper fraction $\frac{9}{4}$.
   • Here, $9$ is the top number (numerator) and $4$ is the bottom number (denominator).
   • Now, divide: $9 \div 4 = 2$ with a remainder of $1$.

2. Write Down the Whole Number:

   • From our division, we see that $2$ is the whole number part.

3. Find the Remainder:

   • The remainder from our division is $1$. This will be the new numerator in the proper fraction.

4. Create the Fraction Part:

   • Put the remainder $1$ over the original bottom number $4$. So, we get the fraction $\frac{1}{4}$.

5. Combine Them:

   • Now, put together the whole number and the fraction to make the mixed number.
   • Therefore, $\frac{9}{4}$ becomes $2 \frac{1}{4}$.

Example Illustration:

Example 1: Let’s convert $\frac{11}{3}$ to a mixed number.

1. Divide: $11 \div 3 = 3$ with a remainder of $2$.
2. Write down the whole number: $3$.
3. The remainder is $2$.
4. Create the fractional part: $\frac{2}{3}$.
5. Combine: $3 \frac{2}{3}$.

So, $\frac{11}{3}$ turns into $3 \frac{2}{3}$.

Summary:

To sum it up, changing an improper fraction to a mixed number means you divide the top number by the bottom number, find the whole number and remainder, and then combine these to make a mixed number. With some practice, this process will become easy for you!