Chris



What is a Fraction

A fraction is the ratio of two whole numbers, or to put it simply, one whole number divided by another whole number. We write a fraction like this:The top part of the fraction is called the numerator and is also referred to as the dividend of the fraction. The bottom part is called the denominator and is also referred to as the divisor of the fraction.

Normally the numerator (top of fraction) is smaller than the denominator (bottom of fraction) in which case the fraction is called a 'Proper Fraction'. If the numerator (top) is equal to or larger than the denominator (bottom) then the fraction is called an 'Improper Fraction'. A proper fraction is always less than the whole number 1 and we can relate proper fractions to a part of a whole object. We use the denominator (bottom) to divide the object into that number of parts and then we take the numerator (top) number of parts and we can say we have that fractions part of the whole object.



1. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions (1 2/3 = 5/3) 2. Multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators 3. If necesary, change to a mixed number 4. Reduce to lowest terms.**1 1/2 x 1 2/3** 3/2 x 5/3 15/6 =2 3/6 = 2 1/2 media type="custom" key="834541"
 * factor x factor = product**

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To Divide Fractions: Example: Divide 2/9 and 3/12 > media type="custom" key="834563"
 * Invert (i.e. turn over) the denominator fraction and multiply the fractions
 * Multiply the numerators of the fractions
 * Multiply the denominators of the fractions
 * Place the product of the numerators over the product of the denominators
 * Simplify the Fraction
 * Invert the denominator fraction and multiply (2/9 ÷ 3/12 = 2/9 * 12/3)
 * Multiply the numerators (2*12=24)
 * Multiply the denominators (9*3=27)
 * Place the product of the numerators over the product of the denominators (24/27)
 * Simplify the Fraction (24/27 = 8/9)

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