How to Do Fractions
As the students move higher up in their academics their difficulty level simultaneously increases. Starting from simple calculations in elementary classes they come across some more calculations like solving the decimals. Although it is not difficult but just to start with they do get into some kind of confusion. For example, they try to add, subtract, multiply and divide the fractions in the same way that they do with normal numbers or what we call whole numbers. However, when they realize that the calculations are wrong they come across difficulty in making them correct. There are a few things that are to be remembered while solving fractions.
Instructions
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1
First of all while solving fractions related sums, the students should know about the numerator and denominator. The number at the top in a fraction is the numerator and the one at the bottom is the denominator.
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2
The next thing to understand is the difference between proper and improper fractions. If the numerator is smaller than the denominator, the fraction is proper and if the numerator is greater than the denominator that is the improper fraction.
3/8 Proper Fraction
9/8 Improper Fraction -
3
While adding fractions there are two things that you need to remember. The numerators in both the fractions can be directly added if the denominators in both the fractions are equal such as:
3/8 + 5/8 = 8/8 = 1 -
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The same fraction can be subtracted directly in the same way i.e. the smaller fraction can be subtracted from the larger one like:
5/8 – 3/8 = 2/8 -
5
For multiplying the decimals, you have to ensure that the fractions are first simplified as much as possible. This means a larger number can be converted into a smaller one by diving both numerator and denominator with the same number.
4/10 x 8/12 = 2/5 x 2/3 -
6
The division of the fractions can also be made simple by first reducing the fractions into their simplest form such as 4/12 to 2/3. However, it is advised to convert the division sign between the two fractions into multiplication. This will make the numerator of either of the fraction as denominator and vice versa.
2/3 ÷ 9/6 = 2/3 6/9
4/9
