Verified Answer :

  • Identify the parts of the mixed number: integer part \(A=8\), numerator \(B=4\), and denominator \(C=17\).
  • Apply the conversion formula: \(A \frac{B}{C} = \frac{A \times C + B}{C}\).
  • Calculate the numerator: \(8 \times 17 + 4 = 136 + 4 = 140\).
  • State the resulting improper fraction: \(\boxed{\frac{140}{17}}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis of the Mixed Number

A mixed number is composed of an integer part and a fractional part. For any mixed number of the form \(A \frac{B}{C}\), where \(A\) is the whole number, \(B\) is the numerator, and \(C\) is the denominator, it represents the sum \(A + \frac{B}{C}\). Our objective is to convert the mixed number \(8 \frac{4}{17}\) into an improper fraction, which is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. To do this, we use the identity \(A \frac{B}{C} = \frac{A \cdot C + B}{C}\). Here, we have \(A = 8\), \(B = 4\), and \(C = 17\).

  1. Converting to an Improper Fraction

To convert the mixed number to an improper fraction, we first multiply the integer part by the denominator of the fractional part:
\[8 \times 17\]
Calculating this product, we find that \(8 \times 10 = 80\) and \(8 \times 7 = 56\), so:
\[8 \times 17 = 80 + 56 = 136\]
Next, we add the numerator of the fractional part, which is \(4\), to this product:
\[136 + 4 = 140\]
Finally, we place this sum over the original denominator, which is \(17\), to get the improper fraction:
\[\frac{140}{17}\]

  1. Final Conclusion

The mixed number \(8 \frac{4}{17}\) is equivalent to the improper fraction \(\frac{140}{17}\). We have successfully represented the sum as a single fraction where the numerator is 140 and the denominator is 17. The final result is \(\boxed{\frac{140}{17}}\).

Examples

Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions is a fundamental skill in arithmetic, especially when performing operations like addition or multiplication with fractions. For instance, if you are following a recipe that calls for \(8 \frac{4}{17}\) cups of flour and you need to scale the recipe, working with the improper fraction \(\frac{140}{17}\) makes it much easier to multiply by a scaling factor. This mathematical foundation allows for seamless calculations in everyday measurements, cooking, or engineering tasks where precise quantities are essential.