Introduction to Fractions Equivalent & Simplifying Fractions

What is a fraction? Part of a whole.

Equivalent Fractions If fractions are equivalent then a = c b d And if a = c then axd = bxc (cross products are b d equal) a = c a•d = b•c

Examples: 2 = 4 8 2x8=4x4 16=16

Simplifying Fractions Reducing or Simplifying a fraction requires dividing the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero integer. Greatest Common Divisor

Six Questions to Ask When Simplifying Fractions  

Question 2 Is the numerator one less than the denominator? If yes, the fraction is in its simplest form.  

Question 3  

Question 4  

Question 5 Are the numbers in the numerator and denominator both even numbers? If yes, 2 is always a common factor. You can reduce the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.

Question 6  

Examples: 2 2 and 4 can both be divided by 2 thus 4 2 ÷ 2 = 1 1 4 ÷ 2 = 2 2 25 125

Comparing Fractions Arrange from smallest to largest. If the denominators are the same then the greater the numerator, the greater the fraction

Examples: 1. 1 , 5 , 2 , 6 7 7 7 7

Word Problem