Fractions

Do people really need to know fractions? Yes, they do!!!!

For example, your family is eating pizza and you want 2/8 of it while the rest of your family wants 4/8. How much will be left for Uncle Harry?

    First, add the two numerators (top number) and get your answer, 6. Then, put the new numerator over the same denominator(6/8). Next, subtract the full pizza pie ( 8 slices = 8/8 ) by how much you ate.  The equation is 8/8 - 6/8. Follow the same setup as addition except subtract and get 2/8. So there are 2 slices left for Uncle Harry.

    To multiply fractions first you have to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator. For example 3/4 x 4/5=    .   3x4= 12 and 4x5= 20. So the answer is 12/20. Which can be simplified (or reduced) to 6/10 and then to 3/5.

   If you can multilpy fractions then you can also divide fractions, it's that easy!!!

    To divide fractions you need to know your multiplies.  You simply invert the divisor and multiply the fractions as usual. Look how easy that is:

(4/5) '/. (2/3) =

(4/5) x (3/2) =   the 4/5 stays the same but you invert (reverse) the 2/3 and                           change the sign to multiplication instead of division.

(4/5) x (3/2) = 12/10  Just multiply as usual.

12/10 = 1 2/10 or 1 1/5   Change the improper fraction to a mixed number. IT'S                 THAT EASY!!!

To divide mixed numbers, convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions ( that's when the top number is larger than the bottom number) and then divide as usual.

Example:            (1 1/2) / (2 1/3) =  mixed numbers

                            (3/2) / ( 7/3) =    change to improper fractions

                            (3/2) X (3/7) =  3/2 stays the same,7/3 is inverted, / changes to x

                            9/14   multiply out and this is the answer!!!

When dividing fractions, always simplify the answer.

Simplifying is just an easy process of dividing, to help make multiplying easier.  There are two different ways of simplifying.                                                                                                        

One way is when you are in the process of multiplying called cross-simplification.

ex. 2/3 x 6/10=     

You reduce the first numerator by the second denominator.  You also reduce the first denominator by the second numerator.

You can simplify 2 and 10.  2 and 10 have the GCF (greatest common factor) of 2.  So reduce 2 to 1, and 10 to 5.  Now you have  1/3 x 6/5.  Now reduce 3 and 6.  3and 6 have the GCF of 3.  So reduce 3 to 1, and 6 to 3. Now you are ready to multiply 1/1 x 2/5.

The other way to reduce fractions is to multiply first, then simplify.

ex.2/3 x 6/10=12/30

Now you can simplify from here.  Now find the GCF, which is 3.  Now divide 3 from each number. Now you will have your answer in lowest terms.

Follow these steps closely and you will get the problems right on the test.