A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction. It is sometimes also called a mixed fraction. For example, 3 1/2 is a mixed number, where 3 is the whole number part and 1/2 is the proper fraction part. Mixed numbers are often used in real-life situations, such as in measurement topics that require converting between units of measure. They can also be converted to improper fractions and vice versa to facilitate mathematical operations.