Fractions

A fraction shows what part of all the purchases consists of peaches.

1. Add the numbers of apples, pears and peaches. The result is the total number of fruits, so write it as the denominator.
2. Write the number of peaches as the numerator.
3. If the numerator and denominator can be divided by the same number, simplify the fraction.

Rule: number of peaches ÷ total number of fruits, or as a fraction: number of peaches / (number of apples + number of pears + number of peaches).

A fraction shows what part of all the purchases consists of peaches.

1. Add the numbers of apples, pears and peaches. The result is the total number of fruits, so write it as the denominator.
2. Write the number of peaches as the numerator.
3. If the numerator and denominator can be divided by the same number, simplify the fraction.

Rule: number of peaches ÷ total number of fruits, or as a fraction: number of peaches / (number of apples + number of pears + number of peaches).

Equivalent fractions are formed by multiplying both numerator and denominator by the same number. Divide the new denominator by the old one and multiply the old numerator by that factor. For example, 2/3 = 8/12 because both numbers were multiplied by 4.

For positive fractions with the same numerator, the fraction with the smaller denominator is greater because its equal pieces are larger. For example, 3/4 > 3/7. The open side of the comparison sign faces the greater fraction.

An hour contains 60 minutes. The required fraction is the given number of minutes divided by 60. For example, 15 minutes is 15/60 = 1/4 of an hour. Equivalent fractions represent the same part.

First find the number of girls, then compare it with the total number of students in the class.

1. Subtract the number of boys from the total number of students. This gives the number of girls.
2. Write the number of girls as the numerator.
3. Write the total number of students as the denominator.
4. Simplify the fraction if possible.

Formula: fraction of girls = (all students − boys) / all students.

Equivalent fractions are formed by multiplying both numerator and denominator by the same number. Divide the new denominator by the old one and multiply the old numerator by that factor. For example, 2/3 = 8/12 because both numbers were multiplied by 4.

A half is one of two equal parts of a whole. A half-full glass is represented by 1/2: the numerator 1 counts the filled part and the denominator 2 counts all equal parts.

Write the total number of equal cake pieces as the denominator and the number eaten as the numerator. Eating 3 of 8 equal pieces represents 3/8 of the cake.

The numerator is above the fraction bar and counts the equal parts taken. The denominator is below it and counts the equal parts in the whole. In 3/5, the numerator 3 means three parts are taken.