In mathematics, fractions are numbers that represent a part of a whole. Fractions are written as a ratio of two numbers, with the numerator (the top number) representing the part and the denominator (the bottom number) representing the whole. For example, the fraction “1/2” represents one part of a whole that has been divided into two equal parts.
There are several basic operations that can be performed with fractions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
To add fractions, the fractions must have the same denominator (the bottom number). To add the fractions, simply add the numerators (the top numbers) and put the result over the common denominator. For example, to add 1/2 + 1/2, the result is 2/2, which simplifies to 1.
To subtract fractions, the fractions must also have the same denominator. To subtract the fractions, subtract the numerators and put the result over the common denominator. For example, to subtract 1/2 – 1/4, the result is 1/2 – 2/8, which simplifies to 1/2 – 1/4, or 1/4.
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. For example, to multiply 1/2 * 1/3, the result is 1/6.
To divide fractions, invert the divisor (the fraction being divided by) and then multiply the fractions. For example, to divide 1/2 by 1/3, the result is 1/2 * 3/1, or 3/2.
It is important to simplify the results of fraction operations to the lowest terms, or the simplest form, by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. For example, the fraction 6/8 can be simplified to 3/4 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 2.
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