Which of the following statements is true about mixed numbers?

Mixed numbers are defined as numbers that consist of both a whole number part and a fractional part. For example, the mixed number 2 1/2 has a whole number (2) and a fractional component (1/2). This representation allows mixed numbers to express values that are greater than one, encompassing both the integer and the fractional values combined.

The other statements do not accurately describe mixed numbers. Mixed numbers can indeed be converted into improper fractions, can represent values greater than or less than one, and do not solely represent integers since they combine both a whole number and a fractional part. Therefore, the statement about mixed numbers containing both whole numbers and fractions is the one that accurately captures their definition.