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Fractions or rational numbers

1  Introduction

A fraction (also called rational number, vulgar fraction or common fraction) is a way of expressing a number of equal parts of a whole. It is composed of a numerator and a denominator. The denominator is a number which represents the whole, whilst the numerator represents the number of parts of the whole. For example, if we take a circle and divide it into two equal slices, each of the slices is half of the whole, written as Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_0.jpgor Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_1.jpg(see diagram below). It will be noted that the denominator is always written on the bottom of the fraction.

Fig1
 

Similarly, if we take a rectangle and divide it into 3 equal pieces, then each of the pieces is one third of the whole, written as Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_2.jpg(or Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_3.jpg). If only one piece is removed, the remaining piece represents two thirds, written as Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_4.jpg(see diagram below).

Fig2

If the numerator is smaller in size than the denominator the fraction is called a proper fraction. Examples of proper fractions are Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_5.jpg. If the numerator is greater in size than the denominator, the fraction is called an improper or top-heavy fraction. Examples of improper fractions are Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_6.jpg.

An improper fraction can also be written as a mixed number by converting it into a combination of an integer and a proper fraction. This is achieved by dividing the numerator by the denominator and using the remainder to create the numerator for the required proper fraction.

1.1  Examples

i) Convert Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_7.jpgto a mixed number.

Solution:

Divide 4 by 3, giving the answer 1 remainder 1. This is usually written as Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_8.jpg. The required mixed number is therefore Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_9.jpg.

ii) Convert Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_10.jpgto a mixed number.

Solution:

Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_11.jpg. The required mixed number is therefore Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_12.jpg.

2  Equivalent fractions

Two fractions are equivalent when the ratio of the numerator to the denominator is the same for both of them. A simple example is given by comparing Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_13.jpgand Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_14.jpg. The numerator and denominator of are both twice the value of the numerator and denominator of . The ratio is therefore the same i.e. 1:2, and the fractions are consequently equivalent. Another way of looking at this is to take any fraction and repeatedly multiply top and bottom by the same number (called a common factor) to give a sequence of equivalent fractions e.g. Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_15.jpg. Since multiplying top and bottom by the same number always preserves the ratio, there are an infinite number of equivalent fractions.

2.1  Example

Find an equivalent fraction for Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_16.jpg.

Solution:

Take any number and multiply both numerator and denominator by that number. In this case, for example, take 5. Then Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_17.jpg.

Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_18.jpg is therefore an equivalent fraction for Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_19.jpg.

3  Lowest terms or simplest fraction

When a fraction is in a form where it cannot be further divided in numerator and denominator, it is said to be in its lowest terms or in the form of a simplest fraction.

3.1  Examples

Write Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_20.jpgin its lowest terms.

Solution:

22 and 77 have a common factor of 11, which divides into 22 twice and into 77 seven times.

We can therefore write Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_21.jpgas Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_22.jpg. This process is called cancelling. The only number which divides into both 2 and 7 is 1. The fraction Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_23.jpgis therefore in its lowest terms.

In some cases, if it is not obvious which is the highest number which divides numerator and denominator, it may be necessary to divide more than once.

Write Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_24.jpgin its lowest terms.

Solution:

Clearly, both 160 and 240 are divisible by 10, as they both end in a 0. We can initially reduce the fraction thus:

Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_25.jpg. Both 16 and 24 are divisible by 8, giving a further reduction

Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_26.jpg . 2 and 3 are only divisible by 1. The fraction Fractions_files\Fractions_MathML_27.jpgis therefore in its lowest terms.