Unit 1: Numeracy Review February 3, 2022

Lecture 3: Fraction Review

Lecturer: Mr. Lewis Carroll

3.1 Fractions

Definition 3.1 A fraction can be thought of as a “part” of some whole number. The top number in
a fraction is known as the while the bottom number in a fraction is known as the
.

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Example 3.2 Imagine you have 2 of a pizza. What does each number in the fraction represent?

Definition 3.3 An equivalent fraction is a fraction which represents the same value as another fraction
even though they look completely different!

Example 3.4 Write three equivalent fractions of 12 .

We do not want to have to draw pictures for all the fractions we encounter, so we need a more efficient way
to determine an equivalent fraction. To create our own equivalent fraction, we only need to multiply the
numerator and denominator by the same number.

2
Example 3.5 Write two equivalent fractions for each of the fractions 3 and − 45 .

3-1
3-2 Lecture 3: Fraction Review

3.1.1 Simplifying Fractions

In order to simplify fractions, we need to find one number that will divide evenly into both the numerator
and denominator. We want to try to find the number that will do this for us.

12
Example 3.6 Simplify the fraction 36

Example 3.7 Simplify the fraction − 24

40

3.1.2 Mixed & Improper Fractions

Definition 3.8 A mixed fraction is a regular number and a combined into one
number.

Example 3.9 The fraction 1 34 would look like the following...

Definition 3.10 An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is than the de-
nominator. You can think of these as being “Top-Heavy” fractions!

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Example 3.11 The fraction 4 would look like the following...

3.1.3 Converting Between Mixed & Improper Fractions

We will break this down into steps for each case...

A. Mixed to Improper

Example 3.12 Convert 5 56 into an improper fraction.

1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator.

2. Add the numerator to the number you calculated in Step (1.)

3. Rewrite a new fraction with the denominator and the numerator you calculated from
Step (2.)
Lecture 3: Fraction Review 3-3

B. Improper to Mixed

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Example 3.13 Convert 7 into a mixed fraction.

1. Determine how many times the denominator will fit evenly into the . This will represent
your number.

2. However many pieces remain from your numerator after you divide is the numerator in the new fraction.

NOTE: When you are converting a negative improper/proper fraction, it is helpful to pretend
that the fraction is while you convert it, and toss the negative sign back on at the
very end!

Example 3.14 Convert the fraction −2 43 into an improper fraction.

Whiteboard Exercise #1 — Convert the following fractions into their respective mixed or
improper form!

101
1. =
9

4
2. −2 =
15

−38
3. =
−6
3-4 Lecture 3: Fraction Review

3.1.4 Homework Part 1 - Equivalent Fractions

Fill in the missing number that makes each respective fraction equivalent.

 21  1
i. 6 = 42 ii. 18 = 3

 9 20 4
iii. 4 = 36
iv.  = 5

v. − 13 = 
9
vi. 
−4 = − −48
−8

3.1.5 Homework Part 2 - Simplifying Fractions

Simplify each of the fractions below completely.

22 40
i. 33 = ii. 110 =

−30
iii. − 15
21 =
iv. −72 =

222 176
v. 60 = vi. 24 =

3.1.6 Homework Part 3 - Converting Between Improper & Proper Fractions

Convert each of the following fractions into their respective mixed or improper form.

8
i. 3 = ii. − 48
5 =

67
iii. 2 = iv. 3 15 =

v. −6 85 = 2
vi. 9 14 =
Lecture 3: Fraction Review 3-5

3.1.7 Homework Solutions Part 1

i. 3 ii. 6
iii. 1 iv. 25
v. −3 vi. −24

3.1.8 Homework Solutions Part 2

2 4
i. 3 ii. 11
−5 5
iii. − 75 iv. −12 or 12
37 22
v. 10 vi. 3

3.1.9 Homework Solutions Part 3

i. 2 23 ii. −9 53

iii. 33 12 iv. 16
5

v. − 53
8 vi. 128
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