Convert Improper to Mixed Fractions Using Python

Understanding Fractional Numbers | Maths Explanation for Python Kids

Welcome to this junior secondary Python math project! In this tutorial, you'll learn how to convert improper fractions to mixed fractions using Python. This beginner-friendly guide is perfect for students exploring math with Python, and includes a simple Python script to help you understand fraction conversion step by step.

Whether you're just starting out with Python or looking for a fun math coding activity, this project will show you how to build a mixed fraction calculator using basic programming concepts.
Coding fractions in Python is a fun way to combine math and programming. This project helps junior secondary students build confidence in both areas, and also teaches how to apply math logic in Python code.

As before, fractional numbers can either be Proper (e.g. ²/₅), Improper (e.g. ⁵/₂), or Mixed (e.g. 2¹/₂),

Step-by-Step Explanation of Improper Fraction to Mixed Fraction Conversion in Python

Say we have the fraction ¹⁰/₃ - which is an improper fraction - we can write a Python algorithm that converts this improper fraction to a mixed fraction by following a number of steps:

Step 1:

Find the largest number smaller than the numerator (10), that can divide the denominator - 3 - without remainder.
⇒ 9

Step 2:

Subtract the found number (9) - from Step 1 - from the numerator (10)
⇒ 10 - 9 = 1;
This yields the whole number.

Step 3:

Divide the found number (9) - from Step 1 - by the denominator (3)
⇒ ⁹/₃ = 3;
This yields the new numerator.

Step 4:

Reuse the denominator (3) to get our mixed fraction
⇒ 3¹/₃

Create a new Python module file; call it ImproperToMixed.py
Type out the adjoining Python code for converting improper to mixed fractions.

Note: You can comment out the MixedToImproper Python object code in the main class from the previous lesson or simply continue from where it stopped.

So! Python Fun Practice Exercise - Convert Improper Fraction to Mixed Fraction

As a fun practice exercise, feel free to try out your own improper fractions with different numerators and denominators, and see how the Python code simplifies those fractions.

Python Code for Converting Improper Fraction To Mixed Fraction - Module File

# A class
class Improper2Mixed:

    # A constructor
    def __init__(self, fraction):
        self.numerator   = fraction['numerator']
        self.denominator = fraction['denominator']

    # Returns a dictionary of the new fraction
    def doConvert(self):
        # STEP 1:
        for dividend in range(self.numerator, 0, -1):
            if dividend % self.denominator == 0:
                # STEP 2:
                self.new_numerator = self.numerator - dividend
                # STEP 3:
                self.whole_number = int(dividend / self.denominator)
                break

        return {'whole_number':self.whole_number, 'numerator':self.new_numerator, 'denominator':self.denominator}

Python Code for Converting Improper Fraction To Mixed Fraction - Algebra Main class

#!/usr/bin/python
from ImproperToMixed import Improper2Mixed

##
# Convert fractions from Improper to Mixed
##
fraction = {'numerator':10, 'denominator':3}

print("\n    Converting from Improper to Mixed the fraction:\n")
# Print as fraction
print('{:55d}'.format(fraction['numerator']))
print('{:>55}'.format('-'))
print('{:55d}'.format(fraction['denominator']))

# use the ImproperToMixed class
imp2mix = Improper2Mixed(fraction)
fraction = imp2mix.doConvert()

print(      '{:52d}'.format(fraction['numerator']))
print('{:>48} {} {}'.format('Answer =   ', fraction['whole_number'], '-'))
print(      '{:52d}'.format(fraction['denominator']))

print("\n\n")

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