Basic Fraction Review Notes Fractions Are Fun! Basic Fraction Review Notes

The Basics Numerator: the top number; how many parts Denominator the bottom number; the whole Parts/Whole = Fraction

Reducing How to Reduce: Divide both the numerator (top) and the denominator (bottom) by the same number to simplify. It is helpful, if you can use the GCF – you won’t have as many steps! Example: 12/60 divide the numerator and denominator each by 12 (which is the GCF)

Shading and Reading Fractions The amount of pieces in the fraction is the denominator. The amount shaded in is the numerator. * Remember that mixed numbers represent “whole” numbers and fractions together.

Changing Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers Improper Fractions: the numerator is larger than the denominator (top heavy) Divide the numerator by the denominator. The whole number is the amount of “whole times” the denominator went into the numerator, your remainder is the top number of your fraction, keep same denominator.

Changing Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions Multiply the denominator times the “big number”. Then add that total to the numerator. Put that answer over the denominator.

Comparing and Ordering Fractions Get common denominators using your knowledge of LCM. Make equivalent fractions. Equivalent Fractions: fractions that are equal Example: Then compare the fractions that have the same denominators.

Comparing Fractions to Benchmarks You may use a picture. You may also look at how close or how far apart the numerator and denominator are: if they are far apart on the number line, it’s estimated closer to 0; if they are close together on a number line, it’s estimated closer to 1; if the numerator is about ½ of the denominator, then it’s estimated to ½.