11+ Maths
Converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions, and calculating with mixed numbers in the 11+.
Mixed Numbers appears in 12 of our 338 ready papers (34 tagged questions). It averages 2.8 questions a paper worth about 1.18 marks each. The typical question allows around 20 sec.
Mixed-number questions sit on top of fraction fluency. Papers ask children to convert, compare, add or subtract mixed numbers, and to express answers in the form the mark scheme wants. Children who convert incorrectly to improper fractions — or who forget to convert back — drop marks after correct intermediate working. Teach a reliable conversion both ways and decide early whether to work in improper fractions. Practise exam wording: “express as a mixed number” vs “express as an improper fraction.” Link this hub to the main fractions page so method stays consistent across the paper. When comparing mixed numbers, convert both to improper fractions with a common denominator rather than comparing whole parts alone. For subtraction, convert first; trying to “borrow” from the whole number without a clear improper-fraction step is where most slips happen.
A real tagged question from our catalogue — method included, not paywalled.
Ranked from our tagged catalogue — open a paper to practise the questions that actually test this topic.
Not sure whether mixed numbers is the problem? Mark any past paper on 11plusSolved and the report tells you which topics are costing marks — and how many.
