FOUR RULES FOR FRACTIONS

The language of fractions numerator denominator improper fraction mixed number

To simplify a fraction you divide the numerator and denominator by a common factor. = This can be shown on a diagram: =

Examples 1 Simplify =

2 Simplify =

3 Simplify =

4 Change to a mixed number. note: 4 quarters make one whole one =

5 Change to a mixed number. note: 3 thirds make one whole one =

Adding and subtracting fractions To add or subtract fractions a common denominator is needed first. Example 1 Calculate first write both fractions with a common denominator of 15

2 Calculate first write both fractions with a common denominator of 14

3 Calculate first write both fractions with a common denominator of 20

Multiplying and dividing fractions Example 1 Calculate multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators

2 Calculate first change to improper fractions multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators. change to a mixed number

3 Calculate dividing by is the same as multiplying by multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators. change to a mixed number

4 Calculate first change to improper fractions dividing by is the same as multiplying by multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators. simplify