I assume the question would be: Turn the mixed number 3 (1/5) {or 3 and (1/5)} into the improper fraction equivalent.
My answer: A mixed number consists of an integer(ex. 3) and a fraction(ex. 1/5) or a decimal(ex. 0.2). While, a improper fraction is a fraction in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. Notice that 3 (1/5) does not mean multiplying 3 times (1/5), but means 3+(1/5).
The first step in adding or subtracting of fractions is converting every term in the equation into the equivalent fractions with common denominators. In order to make the denominator minimal for easier handling, we'll use LCM(Least Common Multiple) of its denominators.
The denominators for 3 and (1/5) are 1 and 5 respectively, because 3+(1/5)=(3/1)+(1/5). Since 1 and 5 have no common factors, the LCM of 1 and 5 is 1*5=5.
So, 3 (1/5) is rewritten: 3 (1/5)=3+(1/5)=(3/1)+(1/5)=(1/1)*(3/1)+(1/5)=(5/5)*(3/1)+(1/5)=(5*3)/(5*1)+(1/5)=(15/5)+(1/5)=(15+1)/5=(16)/5. We have: 3 (1/5)=(16)/5.
Answer: the improper fraction for the mixed number 3 (1/5) is (16)/5.