1. Fraction Notes

2. Fraction Vocabulary
Fraction - a number that stands for part of something.
Denominator – the number on the bottom of a fraction; it tells how many equal parts are in the whole.
Numerator – the number on the top of a fraction; tells how many of the parts you are talking about

3. Fractions that name the same number or amount.
Equivalent Fractions
Fractions that name the same number or amount.
3 = 6
To find equivalent fractions, you can multiply or divide the numerator & the denominator by the same number.

4. Simplest Form
A fraction that has 1 as the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator. The numerator and denominator are as low as they can go.
To simplify 12 you THINK: 18
What are the factors of 12 & 18?
12 – 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, = 1, 2, 3, 6, 9,18
What is the GCF? 6
3. Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF.
12 ÷ 6 = 2
18 ÷ 6 = 3
SO the simplest form is 2 3

5. Improper Fraction Mixed Number
Fraction in which the numerator is bigger than the denominator. You must DIVIDE to make it into a mixed number.
EX: 25 4
Mixed Number
A number that includes a whole number and a fraction beside it.
Ex: 2 3/5

6. To convert from an improper to a mixed number:

7. To convert from a mixed number to an improper fraction:

8. Comparing Fractions Fractions with like denominators:
Just compare the numerators.
Ex:
7 is greater than 5 so that fraction is bigger

9. Comparing Fractions with Unlike Denominators
Step 1:
Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
EX: denominators - 2 and 3
2 – 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 ,12
3 – 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18
So – the LCM is 6.

10. Step 2: Use the LCM as the new denominator for both fractions
Step 2: Use the LCM as the new denominator for both fractions. Step 3: Find the numerators of the new fractions. Step 4: Compare the new numerators.

11. Ordering Fractions
If they do have the same denominator already, you just put them in order according to the numerators.
If they do not have the same denominator – you have to use the LCM to make new equivalent fractions with the same denominator, then put them in order.