Max Maths, Year 3, Try it Mixed numbers and improper fractions

In the Max Maths Year 3 curriculum, students are introduced to the concept of mixed numbers and improper fractions through a practical and visual approach. The 'Let’s Try It' section provides an engaging activity where students are tasked with finding equivalent mixed numbers and improper fractions by dividing shapes into equal parts. This hands-on method helps to solidify their understanding of how whole numbers and fractions can represent the same quantity in different forms.

The activity presents a series of divided shapes, and students must determine the equivalent mixed number and improper fraction for each. For example, in part (a), the shape divided into quarters shows that 2 and 1/4 is equivalent to an improper fraction that they need to calculate. Similarly, in part (b), the shape is split into halves, and students find the equivalent forms for 4 and 1/2. Through this exercise, children learn to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions, gaining a deeper understanding of fractions as they visualise and work through the partitioned shapes representing whole numbers and fractional parts.