Let's go through each of the questions (23-26) to convert mixed numbers into improper fractions:

23. Write $2 \frac{1}{4}$ as an improper fraction.

• Convert the whole number $2$ to a fraction with denominator $4$:
  $2 = \frac{8}{4}$.
• Add the fraction $\frac{1}{4}$ to $\frac{8}{4}$:
  $2 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{8}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{9}{4}.$

24. Write $5 \frac{1}{2}$ as an improper fraction.

• Convert the whole number $5$ to a fraction with denominator $2$:
  $5 = \frac{10}{2}$.
• Add the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ to $\frac{10}{2}$:
  $5 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{10}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{11}{2}.$

25. Write $2 \frac{4}{7}$ as an improper fraction.

• Convert the whole number $2$ to a fraction with denominator $7$:
  $2 = \frac{14}{7}$.
• Add the fraction $\frac{4}{7}$ to $\frac{14}{7}$:
  $2 \frac{4}{7} = \frac{14}{7} + \frac{4}{7} = \frac{18}{7}.$

26. Write $8 \frac{7}{12}$ as an improper fraction.

• Convert the whole number $8$ to a fraction with denominator $12$:
  $8 = \frac{96}{12}$.
• Add the fraction $\frac{7}{12}$ to $\frac{96}{12}$:
  $8 \frac{7}{12} = \frac{96}{12} + \frac{7}{12} = \frac{103}{12}.$

Would you like further explanations or have any questions about these conversions?

Here are five related questions to consider:

1. How do you simplify an improper fraction?
2. What is the process for converting improper fractions back to mixed numbers?
3. Why is it useful to express mixed numbers as improper fractions?
4. How can improper fractions be used in real-world applications?
5. What are the differences between improper fractions and mixed numbers in calculations?

Tip: Always double-check that the denominator in the improper fraction matches the original denominator from the mixed number.