Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

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

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as 11/4.

Front

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

Back

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place the result over the original denominator.

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 to find the whole number, and the remainder becomes the new numerator over the original denominator.

Front

What is the process for multiplying fractions?

Back

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Simplify if possible.

Front

What is the process for dividing fractions?

Back

To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor. That is, flip the second fraction and then multiply.

Front

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

Back

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a fraction?

Back

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

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, used to add or subtract fractions.