Why whole number is an improper fraction?

aamenis

New member
Why is the whole number is a fraction, for example 1/1, 2/2, 3,3 etc. is there any other fraction to call them?

stapel

Super Moderator
Staff member
Why is the whole number is a fraction, for example 1/1, 2/2, 3,3 etc. is there any other fraction to call them?
Improper fractions are those with values that are greater than 1. Since every whole number (other than 0 and 1) is greater than 1 (for instance, 2 = 2/1 = 4/2, etc), what other kind of fraction could they possibly be?

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Otis

Senior Member
I learned the following definitions. (Assume all numbers are non-negative.)

Proper Fraction: A ratio where the numerator is smaller than the denominator

Improper Fraction: A ratio where the numerator is larger than or equal to the denominator

In other words, a proper fraction's value is less than 1, while an improper fraction's value is 1 or more.

All Whole numbers larger than zero have a value that's 1 or more, so they're all improper fractions when written as a ratio. :cool:

Jomo

Elite Member
Why is the whole number is a fraction, for example 1/1, 2/2, 3,3 etc. is there any other fraction to call them?
Simple, by definition. Assume only positive fractions: An improper fraction, by definition, is any fraction that is 1 or larger. You can't argue with definitions! Why is a whole number a fraction? Because 5=5/1, 17= 17/1, 13=26/2 or 13/1...

Otis

Senior Member
… for example 1/1, 2/2, 3/3 etc. is there any other [name] to call them?
Each fraction in that example equals 1, so we could also call them 'one'. :cool: