Fractions and fraction calculations
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Notas de aula
What is a fraction?
- A fraction represents a part of a whole or any number of equal parts.
- A simple fraction is written as \frac{a}{b}, where a is the numerator (top number) and b is the denominator (bottom number).
- The denominator must not be zero.
- The numerator counts how many equal parts are taken; the denominator says how many equal parts make a whole.
- For example, \frac{3}{4} means 3 equal parts out of 4 that make a whole.
- Fractions can also represent division: \frac{3}{4} means 3 ÷ 4.
- Fractions can represent ratios: \frac{3}{4} is the ratio 3:4.
Equivalent fractions and simplifying
- Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same value, e.g. \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{6}.
- To make an equivalent fraction, multiply or divide both numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number.
- Simplifying (or reducing) a fraction means dividing numerator and denominator by their highest common factor (HCF) until they are coprime (no common factor other than 1).
- A fraction is in simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
- Example: \frac{8}{12} simplifies to \frac{2}{3} by dividing both by 4.
Improper fractions and mixed numbers
- An improper fraction has a numerator greater than or equal to its denominator, e.g. \frac{7}{4}.
- A mixed number consists of a whole number and a proper fraction, e.g. 1\frac{3}{4}.
- To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number: divide the numerator by the denominator; the quotient is the whole number and the remainder over the denominator is the fraction part.
- Example: \frac{7}{4} = 1\frac{3}{4} because 7 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 3.
- To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction: multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place over the denominator.
- Example: 2\frac{1}{3} = \frac{7}{3} because 2 × 3 + 1 = 7.
Comparing and ordering fractions
- To compare fractions with the same denominator, compare the numerators: the larger numerator is the larger fraction.
- To compare fractions with different denominators, first write them with a common denominator (often the lowest common multiple of the denominators).
- Alternatively, convert each fraction to a decimal and compare the decimals.
- Example: to compare \frac{2}{3} and \frac{3}{4}, use denominator 12: \frac{8}{12} and \frac{9}{12}, so \frac{3}{4} is larger.
- When ordering, arrange from smallest to largest (or as required) after converting to a common denominator.
Adding and subtracting fractions
- To add or subtract fractions with the same denominator, add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator.
- To add or subtract fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator.
- The common denominator is a common multiple of the denominators; the lowest common multiple (LCM) is often used.
- Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator, then add or subtract the numerators.
- Simplify the result if possible.
- Example: \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{3} = \frac{3}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{5}{6}.
- For mixed numbers, add or subtract the whole parts and the fraction parts separately, regrouping if needed.
Multiplying fractions
- To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together.
- Simplify the result if possible.
- Example: \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{4}{5} = \frac{8}{15}.
- To multiply mixed numbers, first convert them to improper fractions, then multiply.
- Example: 1\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{3}{2} \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{6}{6} = 1.
- Cancelling common factors before multiplying can make the calculation easier.
Dividing fractions
- To divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal (turn the second fraction upside down).
- Example: \frac{1}{2} \div \frac{3}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{3} = \frac{4}{6} = \frac{2}{3}.
- To divide mixed numbers, convert them to improper fractions first, then multiply by the reciprocal.
- Example: 2\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{3} = \frac{5}{2} \times \frac{3}{1} = \frac{15}{2} = 7\frac{1}{2}.
- Simplify the result if possible.
Finding a fraction of an amount
- To find a fraction of an amount, multiply the amount by the fraction.
- Example: to find \frac{3}{4} of 20, calculate 20 \times \frac{3}{4} = 15.
- Alternatively, divide the amount by the denominator, then multiply by the numerator.
- Example: \frac{3}{4} of 20: 20 ÷ 4 = 5, then 5 × 3 = 15.
- This method works for any fraction of a quantity.
Fractions in word problems
- Identify the whole amount and the fraction being used.
- For 'fraction of' problems, multiply the whole amount by the fraction.
- For addition or subtraction problems, ensure the fractions have a common denominator before combining.
- For multiplication or division problems, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first.
- Always check that the answer makes sense in the context of the problem.
- Simplify fractions in your final answer where possible.
Slides
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Questões de prática
Prévia grátis — 8 de 61 perguntas. Cadastre-se para ver todas.
1.In the fraction \frac{3}{4}, which number is the denominator?
Easy- A3
- B4
- C7
- D12
2.What name is given to the top number of a fraction, which counts how many equal parts are being described?
Easy- ADenominator
- BNumerator
- CQuotient
- DDivisor
3.The fraction \frac{3}{4} can also be written as a division. Which calculation is correct?
Easy- A4 \div 3
- B3 \div 4
- C3 \times 4
- D4 - 3
4.Which of these fractions is equivalent to \frac{2}{3}?
Medium- A\frac{3}{4}
- B\frac{4}{6}
- C\frac{6}{8}
- D\frac{2}{6}
5.Which of these fractions is equivalent to \frac{6}{8}?
Medium- A\frac{2}{3}
- B\frac{3}{4}
- C\frac{4}{6}
- D\frac{1}{2}
6.Which of the following fractions is the largest?
Medium- A\frac{2}{3}
- B\frac{3}{5}
- C\frac{7}{10}
- D\frac{1}{2}
7.Which of the following fractions is the smallest?
Medium- A\frac{3}{5}
- B\frac{2}{3}
- C\frac{5}{8}
- D\frac{1}{2}
8.Work out \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{3}.
Medium- A\frac{2}{7}
- B\frac{7}{12}
- C\frac{7}{24}
- D\frac{1}{12}
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