Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
1
Identify the numerator and denominator. The top number of a fraction is known as the numerator and represents how many parts of the whole you have. The bottom number of the fraction is the denominator, which is the number of parts that would equal the whole. If the numerator is smaller than the denominator, then it is a proper fraction. If the numerator was greater than the denominator, then the fraction is improper.[1]
For example, in the fraction ½, the 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.
You can also write fractions on a single line, like 4/5. The number on the left is always the numerator and the number on the right is the denominator.
Know fractions are equal if you multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number. Equivalent fractions are the same amount but written with different numerators and denominators. If you want to make a fraction that’s equivalent to the one you have, multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number and write the result as your new fraction.[2]
For example, if you want to make an equivalent fraction to 3/5, you can multiply both numbers by 2 to make the fraction 6/10.
In a real-world example, if you have 2 equal slices of pizza and you cut one of them in half, the two halves are still the same amount as the other full slice.
3
Simplify fractions by dividing the numerator and denominator by a common multiple. Many times, you’ll be asked to write a fraction in its simplest terms. If you have larger numbers in the numerator and denominator, look for a common factor that each number shares. Divide the numerator and denominator separately by the factor you found to reduce the fraction to an easier number to read.[3]
For example, if you have the fraction 2/8, both the numerator and denominator are divisible by 2. Divide each number by 2 to get 2/8 = 1/4.
