What characterizes an improper fraction?

An improper fraction is defined by the relationship between its numerator and denominator. Specifically, in an improper fraction, the numerator, which is the top number, is larger than the denominator, which is the bottom number. This results in a value that is greater than one. For example, in the fraction ( \frac{5}{3} ), the numerator 5 exceeds the denominator 3, making it an improper fraction.

This characteristic is essential to understanding how fractions are categorized. In contrast, a proper fraction has a numerator that is smaller than the denominator, resulting in a value less than one. The second option, where the numerator equals the denominator, represents a whole number value of one, which does not fit the definition of an improper fraction. Furthermore, both the numerator and denominator being whole numbers does not define the fraction as improper; rather, it simply points out that the numbers used are whole. Thus, the defining feature of an improper fraction is clearly when the numerator is larger than the denominator.