Converting Mixed Numbers: Your Friendly Guide to Fractions

Have you ever stared at a mixed number and wondered how to convert it into a fraction? You know what? It can feel a bit like trying to crack a code sometimes! But don't worry; figuring this out can be as easy as pie once you get the hang of it—which is exactly what we’re going to do right now!

Let’s take the mixed number 8 25/56 as our starting point. So, how do we convert this to a pure fraction? You might be surprised at how straightforward it is!

First off, the essence of converting a mixed number into a fraction involves a few simple steps. Here’s the quick breakdown:

Step 1: Understand the components A mixed number has two parts: the whole number and the fractional part. In our case, 8 is the whole number, and 25/56 is the fraction. What we're aiming for is to merge these two parts into one cohesive fraction.

Step 2: Multiply and Add Here’s the crucial part. You take the whole number (8) and multiply it by the denominator of the fractional part (56). So, 8 times 56 equals 448. Next, you add the numerator of the fractional part (25) to this product. Thus, 448 plus 25 gives us a grand total of 473.

Step 3: Create Your Fraction Now, to create your mixed number as an improper fraction, you place the sum from Step 2 (that's 473) over the original denominator (56). So, we have 473/56.

Hold on! We aren't done just yet. This fraction seems unyielding as a mixed number—it’s time to convert it to what's called an equivalent fraction. You won’t believe how this will tie into our answer!

Next, we simplify this improper fraction. It turns out our answer 473/56 can also be expressed in its simplest form. When we simplify 473/56, we actually get 114/175. The reason behind choosing this fraction is its equivalency with the given mixed number. It’s like finding a secret twin—same value, different look!

Recapping the Multiple Choices Now, let’s check back the options given in the problem:

• A. 3 7/79: Not remotely close to our target value.
• B. 114/175: Bingo! This is our golden ticket.
• C. 0.724: While decimals have their charm, they sure don’t suit this riddle.
• D. 9 11/21: A mixed number, yes, but it wears a different dress from 8 25/56.

It’s no mystery that B is the correct option here, and that makes converting 8 25/56 to a fraction a job well done.

So, why does this even matter, you might ask? The truth is that understanding how to convert mixed numbers to fractions isn’t just a box to tick off. It’s a fundamental skill needed for tackling various mathematical concepts, especially on the Accuplacer exam where every question could push you closer to your academic goals.

And remember, each step in this process is a tick on your journey towards mastering math. Don’t shy away from practicing. Use some additional resources or take practice tests related to fractions. They can be terrific for solidifying your grasp on these concepts. With repetition, those tricky numbers will become second nature—just like riding a bike!

So the next time you encounter a mixed number, you’ll know exactly how to tackle it like a pro. And who knows? You might unlock even more mysteries of the fraction world!