improper fraction

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a fraction having the numerator greater than the denominator.

improper fraction

noun

1. a fraction in which the numerator has a greater absolute value or degree than the denominator, as 7 6 or ( x ² + 3)/( x + 1)

improper fraction

/ ĭm-prŏp′ər /

1. A fraction in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as 3 2 .
2. Compare proper fraction

Word History and Origins

Origin of improper fraction¹

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

When 12-year-old Nina Mones was in sixth grade last year, she struggled to keep up with her math class, getting stuck on improper fractions.

From Seattle Times

Hunched over the desk, he settled down to sort out improper fractions.

From Literature

Rather logically, fractions that fall into this camp are called “improper fractions.”

From Scientific American

After decades of rote learning, children would become nimble thinkers equipped for the modern age, capable of unraveling improper fractions and drawing connections between Lincoln and Pericles.

From New York Times

Reduction of an improper fraction to a mixed number.

From Project Gutenberg