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Math Skills Overview Guide

Understanding Fractions

What does it mean?

Definitions:

A rational number expressed in in-line notation form $$a / b$$ or traditional "display" notation form $$\frac{a}{b}$$ where a is called the numerator and b is called the denominator.

A fraction is a part of a whole.

In arithmetic, the number is expressed as a quotient, in which the numerator is divided by the denominator.

In a simple fraction, both are integers.

A complex fraction has a fraction in the numerator or denominator.

In a proper fraction, the numerator is less than the denominator. If the numerator is greater, it is called an improper fraction and can also be written as a mixed number—a whole-number quotient with a proper-fraction remainder.

Any fraction can be written in decimal form by carrying out the division of the numerator by the denominator. The result may end at some point, or one or more digits may repeat without end.

 What does it look like?

A general example to help you recognize patterns and spot the information you're looking for $$\frac{3}{4}, \frac{5}{8}, \space or \space 3.234$$ indicates the quotient of two numbers.

You'll use it...

Slice a pizza, and you will have fractions.

  Video: Compare and Order Fractions

  Video: Compare Fractions

  Video: Mixed Numbes and Improper Fractions

  Video: Fractions in Lowest Terms

  Video: Numerator and Denominator of a Fraction