Math Tutor Explains: What is 38/3 as a mixed number?

A math tutor would guide you through mixed numbers by explaining that they’re just another way to represent an improper fraction—made up of a whole number and a proper fraction. To convert an improper fraction into a mixed number, a math tutor would show you how to divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient becomes the whole number, while the remainder forms the new numerator, keeping the denominator the same. With the right approach, this process becomes simple and intuitive. Read more below for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough shared by a Thinkster math tutor.

Math Tutor's Solution: 38/3 as a mixed number is 12 2/3

Methods

Step-by-step solution from a math tutor for converting 38/3 as a mixed number

A math tutor would guide you through converting an improper fraction to a mixed number with these three simple steps:

Divide the numerator by the denominator (you can use long division if you want to!) to find out what the quotient and the remainder are. If the fraction is made up of whole numbers, you will always get an integer quotient and an integer remainder.
Note down what your quotient, remainder, and original denominator is.
Now rewrite these three numbers in Step 2 in a mixed number format where:
1. the quotient is the whole number next to the proper fraction
2. the remainder is the numerator of the proper fraction
3. the original denominator is the new denominator of the proper fraction

Now, let’s apply these steps to our problem. A math tutor would ask: What is 38 divided by 3? If you do some thinking or long division, you should get:

38 ÷ 3 → Quotient of 12 and a remainder of 2.

Now that we have all the numbers we need, let’s piece together our answer:

38 ÷ 3 = 12 2/3

Math Tutor Suggests: Practice solving other mixed number problems

Our math tutors share that the best way to become a pro at converting improper fractions to mixed numbers is by practicing. Take a look at some more problems below so that you can solve it without hesitation!

Download FREE Math Resources

Take advantage of our free downloadable resources and study materials for at-home learning.

8 Math Hacks and Tricks to Turn Your 'Okay' Math Student Into a Math Champion!

One thing we teach our students at Thinkster is that there are multiple ways to solve a math problem. This helps our students learn to think flexibly and non-linearly.

Get PDF

How to Make Sure Your Child is Highly Successful and Becomes a Millionaire

Want to Prepare for Success and Boost Math Skills?

Access even more math problems! Grab your FREE copy of "10 Critical Thinking Math Questions for Grades K - Geometry." Equip your child with the knowledge of how to solve must-know questions from every grade.

Get FREE Download Now!

Math Tutoring to Boost Your Child’s Math Skills & Scores by 90% in Just 3 Months – Guaranteed!

Does your child struggle with math homework or understanding tricky math concepts? Do they do okay in math, but express excitement to learn new material or advanced math?

A Thinkster Math tutor provides one-to-one support to help elementary, middle school, and high school students build confidence and master math subjects like K-8 math, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, calculus, and more.

Our expert math tutors customize math lessons to your child’s unique needs, making learning math fun and effective. We help students improve grades, develop strong critical thinking skills through solving word problems, excel in standardized tests, and develop strong problem-solving skills.

Our expert math tutors are ready to help make your child a champion and develop strong math mastery! Sign up for our 7-day free trial and get the best math tutor for your child today!

Start 7-Day Free Trial