Lesson 1

Fractions

Objectives:

Identify the parts of a fraction.

Learn to identify the different kinds of fractions.

Learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions.

Apply fractions in real life.

Discussion:

What is a fraction?

A fraction represents a part of a whole or generally any number of equal parts.

Example: one-fifth, three-fourths (much better pag may drawing)

Parts of a fraction

Numerator- part of the fraction which is located at the top

Denominator- part of the fraction that is located at the bottom

Fraction bar- part of the fraction that is located between the numerator and denominator.

Types of Fractions

Proper Fraction- the value of the numerator is lower than the value of the denominator.

Examples: ½ (one-half), 2/5 (two-fifths), 3/8 (three-eighths)

Improper Fraction- the value of the numerator is larger than that of the denominator.

Examples: 4/3 (four-thirds), 5/2 (five-halves), 7/4 (seven-fourths)

Mixed Number- is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction.

Examples: 1 ¾ (one and three-fourths), 2 1/5 (two and one-fifth)

Similar Fractions- fractions with the same denominator.

Examples: 3/10 and 7/10 (three-tenths and seven tenths)

Dissimilar Fraction- fractions with different denominator.

Examples: 4/7 and 3/5 (four-sevenths and three-fifths)

Adding Similar Fractions

1. Build each fraction (if needed) so that both denominators are equal.
2. Add the numerators of the fractions.
 3. The new denominator will be the denominator of the built-up fractions.
4. Reduce or simplify your answer, if needed.
o Factor the numerator.
o Factor the denominator.
o Cancel-out fraction mixes that have a value of 1.
o Re-write your answer as a simplified or reduced fraction.
REMEMBER: We DO NOT add denominators

Example: 9/13+3/13=?

Adding Dissimilar Fractions

Find the least common multiple (LCM) for the denominators.

Multiply the numerator and denominator to get like denominators.

Turn the other fractions into equivalent fractions.

Add the numerators but leave the denominators the same.

Simplify or reduce the answer if necessary.

Example: 1/5 + 4/7?

Adding Mixed Numbers

Turn the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

Look for the lowest common denominator if necessary.

Make the fraction equivalent if you need to change the denominators.

Change all of the fractions in the problem to make them equivalent.

Add the numerators but leave the denominator the same.

Simplify your answer.

Example: 1 3/5 + 2 ½?

Subtracting Dissimilar Fractions

List multiples of the denominators if necessary.

Multiply both the numerator and denominator to get like denominators.

Make equivalent fractions for all of the fractions in the equation.

Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

Simplify your answer.

Example: 4/6-1/5?
Subtracting Mixed Numbers

Find a common denominator if necessary.

Make equivalent fractions if you have to change the denominators.

Adjust all of the fractions in the problem to make them equivalent.

Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

Example: 2 ¾ - 1 6/7?

MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS

Multiply the numerators of the fractions.

Multiply the denominators of the fractions.

Simplify the fraction.

Example: 1/2 *12/48

DIVIDING FRACTIONS

Reverse the numerator and denominator of the second fraction and change the division sign to a
multiplication sign.

Multiply the numerators and denominators of the fractions and simplify your answer.

Example: 1/2 divided by 18/20