To convert the mixed number 2 1/2 to an improper fraction, follow these steps:
1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction:
2 × 2 = 4
2. Add the numerator to the result:
4 + 1 = 5
3. The improper fraction is formed by placing the result over the original denominator:
5/2
So, the improper fraction equal to 2 1/2 is 5/2.