1. The problem is to convert a mixed fraction into an improper fraction or a whole number. 2. A mixed fraction consists of a whole number and a proper fraction, for example, $2 \frac{3}{4}$. 3. The formula to convert a mixed fraction $a \frac{b}{c}$ to an improper fraction is: $$\text{Improper fraction} = \frac{a \times c + b}{c}$$ where $a$ is the whole number, $b$ is the numerator, and $c$ is the denominator. 4. To convert the mixed fraction to a whole number, check if the numerator of the improper fraction is divisible by the denominator. 5. Example: Convert $3 \frac{2}{5}$ to an improper fraction and then to a whole number if possible. 6. Calculate the numerator of the improper fraction: $$3 \times 5 + 2 = 15 + 2 = 17$$ 7. So the improper fraction is: $$\frac{17}{5}$$ 8. Since 17 is not divisible by 5, the fraction cannot be simplified to a whole number. 9. If the numerator were divisible by the denominator, for example $4 \frac{2}{2}$: $$4 \times 2 + 2 = 8 + 2 = 10$$ $$\frac{10}{2}$$ 10. Simplify by canceling common factors: $$\frac{\cancel{10}}{\cancel{2}} = 5$$ 11. Thus, $4 \frac{2}{2}$ equals the whole number 5. This method helps convert mixed fractions to improper fractions and identify when they equal whole numbers.