Download Intro to Fractions

Introduction to Fractions
Fractions: Part of the whole.
Numerator is the top number. (up north)
Denominator is the bottom number (down under).
Write the following numbers as fractions.
2
17
29
To rewrite an improper fraction as a mixed number, divide the denominator into the numerator. The
quotient is the whole number and the remainder is written as the numerator. You keep the same
denominator.
17
5
5 17
3
2
5
15
4
25
3
To rewrite a mixed number as an improper fraction, multiply the denominator to the whole number
and add the numerator. Write that result in the numerator and keep the same denominator.
2
4
3
3 • 4 + 2 = 14
14
3
5
7
9
4
3
15
Equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same value but have different numerators and
denominators. Multiply or divide both the numerator and the denominator, of one fraction, by the
same number to create an equivalent fraction.
2
3

8
12
4
5

25
3
7

18
To reduce fractions, find a number that will divide evenly into both the numerator and the
denominator. Continue to reduce as long as possible, the result will be in simplest form.
Start with 2, then 3, then 5, then 7, then 11 – that should do it for you 
24 2
12 3
4


30 2
15 3
5
88

120
45

60
42

49
Switching the numerator with the denominator creates the reciprocal of a fraction.
To write the reciprocal of a mixed number, you must first turn the mixed number into an improper
fraction.
3
7
2
5
the reciprocal is
7
3
2
4
5
the reciprocal is
5
14
1
3
3