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Math: Introduction to Fractions - Tutorial
2 parts are shaded
4 parts make a whole
Parts of a Fraction
A fraction is a part of a whole.
For example:
The circle shown below has been divided into four equal parts.
Three parts of the circle are shaded. One part of the circle is not shaded.
If we were to write this as a fraction it would look like this:
Types of Fractions
A Proper fraction is where the numerator is smaller than the denominator.
An Improper fraction is where the numerator is larger than the denominator.
A mixed number is a whole number that is combined with a proper fraction.
Like fractions is a group of fractions where the denominators are alike.
Unlike fractions is a group of fractions where the denominators are different.
Reducing Fractions
Reducing fractions is a process where the numerator and the denominator of a fraction are changed to lower terms.
Example 1:
Hint: Since 2 is the greatest common factor of 2 and 4, divide both by 2.
Example 2:
Hint: Since 4 is the greatest common factor of 12 and 16, divide both by 4.
Raising Fractions
Raising fractions is a process where the numerator and the denominator of a fraction are changed to higher terms.
Example 1:
Hint: Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the same number.
Keep in mind that fraction answers should always be reduced to their lowest terms unless otherwise specified.
Example 2: If you know part of the fraction, you can raise fractions to higher terms.
How many times does 5 go into 10? The answer is 2.
Multiply 2 times the numerator 2. The answer is 4. Place 4 in the place of the missing numerator.
Example 3: To lower terms with only part of the fraction, choose the largest factor
that can be divided into both the numerator and the denominator.
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This section will cover the fundamentals and types of fractions
