1 Fraction Skills Free Online FlashCards

What do the numerator and denominator represent?

A fraction represents equal parts. In $\frac{a}{b}$, $a$ is the numerator and $b$ is the denominator.

What restriction applies to a fraction’s denominator?

The denominator must not be zero.

When is a fraction proper?

A fraction is proper when its numerator is less than its denominator, as in $\frac{3}{4}$.

What makes a fraction improper, and how can it be rewritten?

An improper fraction has a numerator at least as large as its denominator. For example, $\frac{7}{4}=1\frac{3}{4}$.

How can you make an equivalent fraction?

Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by the same nonzero number; the fraction’s value stays the same.

How do you simplify a fraction?

Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. For example, $\frac{18}{24}=\frac{3}{4}$.

How do you add fractions with the same denominator?

Add the numerators and keep the denominator: $\frac{2}{7}+\frac{3}{7}=\frac{5}{7}$.

What must you do before adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators?

Rewrite them with a common denominator, then add or subtract the numerators. Do not add or subtract the denominators.

How do you multiply two fractions?

Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together; a common denominator is not needed.

How can you simplify a fraction multiplication before calculating?

Cancel common factors across a numerator and a denominator before multiplying to simplify the calculation.

How do you divide by a fraction?

Keep the first fraction, change division to multiplication, and multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

What restriction applies to the divisor in fraction division?

The divisor—the fraction you are dividing by—cannot be zero.