Mastering Rational Number Operations

A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction $$\frac{a}{b}$$ , where $$a$$ and $$b$$ are integers and $$b \neq 0$$ .

To add two rational numbers, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then add the numerators.

$$\frac{17}{12}$$ .

To subtract two rational numbers, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and then subtract the numerators.

$$\frac{1}{8}$$ .

To multiply two rational numbers, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

$$\frac{3}{10}$$ .

To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator.

0.625.

To divide two rational numbers, multiply the first number by the reciprocal of the second number.