What kind of numbers are 2¼, 2½, and 3¾?

The numbers 2¼, 2½, and 3¾ are classified as mixed numbers because they consist of both a whole number and a proper fraction. A mixed number is defined as a number that combines a whole part with a fractional part, which is exactly the case for these examples.

For instance, in 2¼, the "2" represents the whole number part, and "¼" represents the fractional part. The same applies to 2½ (whole number 2 and fractional part ½) and 3¾ (whole number 3 and fractional part ¾). This characteristic distinguishes mixed numbers from other forms of numbers, such as whole numbers, which do not include any fractions, or improper fractions, which have a numerator larger than or equal to the denominator. Simple fractions, on the other hand, typically refer to a ratio of two integers where the numerator is less than the denominator, excluding the whole part.

Therefore, identifying 2¼, 2½, and 3¾ as mixed numbers accurately captures their composition and earns them this specific classification.