Operations on Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction is a numerical quantity that is not a whole number, representing a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number).

Front

What does it mean to simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction means to reduce it to its lowest terms, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

Front

How do you find the least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions?

Back

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest multiple that is common to the denominators of two or more fractions. It can be found by determining the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

Front

What is the process for adding fractions with different denominators?

Back

To add fractions with different denominators, first find the least common denominator (LCD), convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD, and then add the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.

Front

How do you subtract fractions?

Back

To subtract fractions, ensure they have the same denominator. If they don't, find the least common denominator (LCD), convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.

Front

What is the formula for multiplying fractions?

Back

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator and multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator. Then simplify if necessary.

Front

How do you divide fractions?

Back

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. This means flipping the second fraction and then multiplying.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 2 1/2.

Front

How do you convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Back

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient becomes the whole number, and the remainder becomes the new numerator over the original denominator.

Front

What is the difference between proper and improper fractions?

Back

A proper fraction has a numerator that is less than the denominator (e.g., 3/4), while an improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to the denominator (e.g., 5/4 or 4/4).