Improper fraction

Definition

A fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to its denominator, so its value is at least $1$ .

Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Mathematics · 8300

Specification N2, R3 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

A fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to its denominator, such as $\frac{9}{4}$ .
The four operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They act on many forms of number: integers, decimals, proper and improper fractions, and mixed numbers. The mathematical meaning of an operation does not change when the numbers are negative or written in another form, although the most convenient calculation method may change.

Exam tips

1
Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying or dividing, and simplify the final fraction fully.
2
In a contextual question, include the required unit and decide whether an improper fraction, mixed number or decimal is the most suitable form.
3
Do not assume the answer must be less than $1$ . If the first quantity is larger, an improper fraction is correct.

Revise Mathematics with GradeGen

Create a free account to read GCSE Mathematics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.

Sign Up to Start Revising Log In

Revise: The Four Operations with Numbers and Fractions

A fraction whose numerator is greater than its denominator, so its value is greater than $1$ .

Revise: Fractional Quantities

AQA Mathematics past papers

Edexcel GCSE Mathematics · 1MA1

Specification N2, R3 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3

A fraction whose numerator is at least as large as its denominator, such as $\frac{7}{4}$ .
The operations can be applied to integers, decimals, proper and improper fractions, and mixed numbers. This lesson focuses on the written methods; calculations involving negative-number sign rules are considered separately.
Revise: The Four Operations and Formal Written Methods
Revise: Fractional Quantities

Edexcel Mathematics past papers

OCR GCSE Mathematics · J560

Specification 2.01a, 2.01b, 2.01c · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher), Paper 5 (Higher), Paper 6 (Higher)

A fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to its denominator, so its value is at least one.
An improper fraction has a numerator greater than or equal to its denominator, so its value is at least 1.
Revise: Fraction Equivalence
A fraction whose numerator has a magnitude greater than or equal to that of its denominator, such as $\frac{7}{4}$ or $-\frac{7}{4}$ . Its magnitude is at least 1.
Revise: Arithmetic with Fractions
A fraction whose numerator is greater than its denominator, so its value is greater than $1$ .
Revise: Fraction Problems

OCR Mathematics past papers

Divisor

Highest common factor (HCF)

Integer

Operation

Reciprocal