Skill: Identify improper fractions

An improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to its denominator. The numerator is the top number, and the denominator is the bottom number.

Example: Identify $\frac{7}{4}$

1. Look at the numerator: $7$
2. Look at the denominator: $4$
3. Compare them: $7>4$

Because the numerator is greater than the denominator, $\frac{7}{4}$ is an improper fraction.

To understand its value, think of the denominator as dividing each whole into fourths:

$$\frac{7}{4}=\frac{4}{4}+\frac{3}{4}$$

Since $\frac{4}{4}=1$ whole,

$$\frac{7}{4}=1\frac{3}{4}$$

On a number line, $\frac{7}{4}$ is located at $1\frac{3}{4}$—three fourths after $1$.

Remember:

• If the numerator is equal to the denominator, the fraction equals $1$, such as $\frac{4}{4}$.
• If the numerator is greater than the denominator, the fraction is greater than $1$, such as $\frac{7}{4}$.