Date: 31/07/2021

Class: SEA Mathematics

Framework Strand: Number Strand

Topic: Fractions

What is a Fraction?

A fraction tells you how many parts of a whole you have.

For example:

3
Three (3) parts of the whole (8 parts) are shaded. of the circle is shaded.
8

3 ← Numerator
← Vinculum
8 ← Denominator

The numerator tells the number of equal parts that are being used or shaded.
The denominator tells the total number of equal parts.
Types of Fractions

7 8 3
10 6
2 5
Equivalent Fractions

Fractions that have the same value even though they may look different are called equivalent
fractions.

These fractions are the same because when you multiply or divide both the numerator and
denominator by the same number, the fraction keeps its value.

For example:

1 2 3 4
2 4 6 8

1 2 3 4
The fractions
2
, 4
, 6
, 8
represent the same amount (half of each circle).

1 2 3 4
Therefore,
2
=
4
, 6
, 8
. They are called equivalent fractions.
Observe that,

The rule here is, “multiply the numerator and the denominator by 2”.

Now observe that,

The rule here is, “divide the numerator and the denominator by 2”.
Let’s take a look at the following examples below.

10 15
1.
16
= 24

15
How did we arrive at ?
24

5 10
We can say:
8
= 16

5 x3

8 x3

15 5 10 15
The result will be
24
. Therefore,
8
= 16
= 24

12 18
2.
14
= 21

18
How did we arrive at ?
21

6 12
We can say:
7
= 14

6 x3

7 x3

18 6 12 18
The result will be
21
. Therefore,
7
= 14
= 21
 6 3
3.
10
= 5

3
How did we arrive at ?
5

We can say:

6 ÷2

10 ÷2

3 6 3
The result will be
5
. Therefore,
10
= 5
Reducing Fractions

To reduce a fraction is to write that fraction in its simplest form.

The lowest term of a fraction is found by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by a
common factor. We can do repeated division until the factor of the numerator and denominator
is 1.

For example:

The rule here is, “divide the numerator and the denominator by 2”.
Ordering Fractions With Different Numerators and Denominators

To order/arrange fractions with different numerators and denominators, we must make the
denominators the same by finding the lowest common multiple (LCM). After this is done, we
then compare and order them.

For example, put in order of descending order (largest to smallest):

1 2 4
3
, 5
, 15

Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators.

The LCM of 3, 5 and 15 = 15.

Step 2: Make the fractions equivalent.

2 6
5
= 15

4 4
15
= 15

Step 3: Order/arrange from largest to smallest.

Step 4: State answer using the original fractions given.

When adding fractions, what do we do if the denominators are different?

2 1
For example:
5
+ 3

Step 1:

Find the lowest common multiple of the denominators. By doing this, we are trying to make
the two denominators the same.

LCM of 5 and 3 = 15

Step 2:

Convert the fractions so that both their denominators are 15.

2 1
5
+ 3
_____
15

Step 3:

To do this, divide the denominator of the first fraction by the LCM.

2
Fraction : 15 ÷ 5 = 3
5

Step 4 (A):

Multiply the answer by the numerator.

3x2=6
Step 4 (B):

Place the new answer over the LCM.

6
15

Step 5 (A):

Do the same with the second fraction.

1
Fraction : 15 ÷ 3 = 5
3

5x1=5

5
15

Step 5 (B):

Now that the denominators are the same, we can add as normal using our new set of
fractions.

6 5 11
15
+ 15
= 15
Adding Mixed Numbers

Let’s take a look at the following example:

2 1
3 +4
5 2

Step 1:

Add the whole numbers.

3+4=7

Step 2:

Add the fractions.

2 1
5
+ 2

Note: Both fractions have different denominators. Therefore, we must find the LCM.

If the fractions have the same denominators we simply add the numerators.

LCM of 5 and 2 = 10

Step 3:

Convert the fractions so that both their denominators are 10.

2 1
5
+ 2
which can be converted to 4+5
______
10

Step 4 (A):

Now that the denominators are the same, we can add as normal using our new set of
fractions.

4 5 9
10
+ 10
= 10
Step 4 (B):

Now we combine the whole number we solved in Step 1 and our fraction.

Whole number = 7

9
Fraction =
10

9
Answer = 7
10

NOTE: The same rules apply when subtracting fractions and mixed numbers.