Fraction Notes

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

Equivalent FractionsFractions that name the same number or amount.

3 = 6 4 8

To find equivalent fractions, you can multiply or divide the numerator & the denominator

by the same number.

Simplest FormA 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

1. What are the factors of 12 & 18?

12 – 1, 2, 3, 4, 6,12 18 = 1, 2, 3, 6, 9,18

2. 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

Improper FractionFraction 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

To convert from an improper to a mixed number:

To convert from a mixed number to an improper fraction:

Comparing FractionsFractions with like denominators:• Just compare the numerators.• Ex:5 7

10 10

7 is greater than 5 so that fraction is bigger

Comparing Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Step 1:Find the least common multiple

(LCM) of the denominators. EX: denominators - 2 and 32 – 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 ,123 – 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18So – the LCM is 6.

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.

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.