The sum of unit fractions

Front

What is a unit fraction?

Back

A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is a positive integer, such as 1/2, 1/3, or 1/8.

Front

How do you decompose a fraction into unit fractions?

Back

To decompose a fraction, you express it as a sum of unit fractions. For example, 3/4 can be decomposed into 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4.

Front

What is the sum of 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8?

Back

The sum is 6/8.

Front

What is an equivalent fraction?

Back

An equivalent fraction is a fraction that represents the same value as another fraction, such as 1/2 and 2/4.

Front

How can you find equivalent fractions for 6/8?

Back

You can multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator by the same number. For example, 6/8 = 3/4 (dividing by 2) or 12/16 (multiplying by 2).

Front

What is the first step in decomposing 6/8 into unit fractions?

Back

The first step is to express 6/8 as a sum of six 1/8 fractions: 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8.

Front

Can you give an example of decomposing 5/6 into unit fractions?

Back

5/6 can be decomposed into 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6.

Front

What is the sum of 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4?

Back

The sum is 4/4, which equals 1.

Front

How do you add unit fractions with the same denominator?

Back

To add unit fractions with the same denominator, you keep the denominator the same and add the numerators. For example, 1/5 + 1/5 = 2/5.

Front

What is the sum of 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3?

Back

The sum is 3/3, which equals 1.