Convert 1 1/2 to an improper fraction.

• A. 2/1
• B. 3/2
• C. 1/2
• D. 4/3

Answer: (B)

Converting a mixed number to an improper fraction uses the idea that the whole part and the fractional part share the same denominator. Multiply the whole number by that denominator and then add the numerator of the fractional part. For 1 1/2, the denominator is 2, the whole part is 1, and the extra part is 1. So 1 × 2 = 2, and 2 + 1 = 3. Put this over the original denominator to get 3/2. This makes sense because 3/2 equals 1.5, which is the same value as 1 1/2. The other fractions don’t match that value: 2/1 is 2, 1/2 is 0.5, and 4/3 is about 1.333. Therefore, 1 1/2 converts to 3/2.