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What Is A Fraction?
What Is A Fraction?
A fraction is a part of a whole. Although fractions do not play a major role in today's "digital math" world, they remain very important in our everyday lives. Have you ever said, "be there in half an hour" and expected the other person to understand you?
The total number of parts in a whole (that is, the denominator) vary. In real-life situations, the size of the denominator is related to the degree of precision required (as with decimals).
You can also see a fraction as a division problem. For example, the fraction 1/2 also represents the expression 1 Ă· 2. This makes sense because the act of dividing something is the process of splitting a whole into parts. (Spoiler alert: when we cover ratios and rates, you'll learn that the fraction can wear yet another hat!)
The top number in a fraction is called the numerator. It represents the number of parts we have. The bottom number, the denominator, is the number of parts in one whole.
Click the icons in the image above
to see video tutorials of converting mixed
numbers to improper fractions and vice versa
Proper fractions have a numerator that is is less than the denominator. Improper fractions have a numerator greater than the denominator. We saw above that the denominator represents all the parts in a whole. If the numerator is bigger, therefore, it must mean the fraction is more than one whole!
Another way to express a fraction greater than one is as a mixed fraction or mixed number. Most operations with fractions require converting mixed numbers into improper fractions as shown at left. Simplifying results of fraction operations, on the other hand, may involve regrouping and simplifying improper fractions.
What Are Equivalent Fractions?
What Are Equivalent Fractions?
Equivalent fractions represent the same amount but look different because they are defined with different numerators and denominators.
Equivalent fractions are created by multiplying numerators and denominators by the same factor. They can also be made by dividing numerators and denominators by the same factor, also called "simplifying."
Equivalent fractions are useful for operations requiring a common denominator like addition and subtraction.
Click the icon in the image at left to see a video on creating equivalent fractions.
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