Comparing 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

How do you compare two fractions with the same denominator?

Back

To compare fractions with the same denominator, you simply compare their numerators. The fraction with the larger numerator is the larger fraction.

Front

How do you compare two fractions with different denominators?

Back

To compare fractions with different denominators, you can find a common denominator or convert them to decimal form. Alternatively, you can cross-multiply the fractions.

Front

What is a common denominator?

Back

A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions, allowing for easy comparison or addition.

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 the process of finding the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest multiple that is common to the denominators of two or more fractions.

Front

What is the difference between proper and improper fractions?

Back

A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than its denominator, while an improper fraction has a numerator that is equal to or larger than its denominator.

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 can 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 is the whole number, and the remainder becomes the numerator of the proper fraction.

Front

What is the significance of cross-multiplication in comparing fractions?

Back

Cross-multiplication allows you to compare two fractions by multiplying the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other. If the products are equal, the fractions are equal; if one product is larger, that fraction is larger.