Fractions II

By Muralee.V.

Mixed Numbers
1. A mixed number is contained a whole number and a fraction.
Example
2
4 Fraction
5
Whole Number

1
2. The diagram below shows a mixed number, 2 .
4

Representing the whole number Representing

the fraction

3. The values of mixed numbers can be compared in two ways:

a. A mixed number with the largest whole number has the largest value.
b. If mixed numbers have the same whole number, then do comparison with their
fraction values.
Example 1
State the largest mixed number for each of the following.
1 1
a. 4 and 6
4 7
1 2
b. 7 and 7
4 5

Solution
1 1
a. 4 and 6
4 7
Compare the whole numbers

1 1
Therefore, 4 < 6
4 7
1 2
b. 7 and 7
4 5
Same whole number
 5 8
7 and 7
20 20
Change the fractions into its equivalent
with their common denominator
1 2
Therefore, 7 < 7
4 5

Proper Fractions and Improper Fractions

1. A proper fraction has a bigger denominator than its numerator.

Example
8 Smaller numerator

15 Bigger denominator

2. An improper fraction has a smaller or equal denominator than its numerator.

Example
Bigger numerator
12
7 Smaller denominator

Equal numerator
15
15 Equal denominator

3. A mixed number can be changed into an improper fraction by following these steps:
I. Multiply the whole number with denominator;
II. Then, add the product to the numerator;
III. Leave the denominator unchanged.
Example
+ II

3 (5 �7) + 3
7 =
5
I 5
35 + 3
=
5
� 38
=
5

4. An improper fraction can be changed into a mixed number by following these steps:

�
 I. Divide the numerator with the denominator
II. Leave the denominator unchanged.
III. The obtained quotient becomes the whole number.
IV. The remainder becomes the numerator

Example

15 Quotient
3 47
47 2 3
= 15 17
3 3 15
Denominator 2 Remainder

Addition and Subtraction of Fractions and Mixed Numbers

1. Addition or subtraction of fractions with a common denominator can be done by
adding or subtracting the numerator only.
2. The denominator remains unchanged
3. If possible, simplify the answer to its lowest term.

Example 2
Solve the following
3 7
a) +
11 11
1 5
b) -
18 18

Solution
3 7 3+7
a) + =
11 11 11
10
=
11

1 5 1+ 5
b) - =
18 18 18
6
=
18
1
=
3
4. Addition or subtraction of fractions with different denominators can be done by
changing each fraction into its equivalent with a common denominator.
5. Then, add or subtract the numerator only
6. If possible, simplify the answer to its lowest term.
Example 3
Solve the following
4 2
a) +
13 39
2 4
b) -
3 7

Solution
4 2 4 �3 2
a) + = +
13 39 13 �3 39
12 2
= +
39 39
14
=
39

2 4 2 �7 4 �3
b) - = 3 �7 - 7 �3
3 7
14 12
= -
21 21
2
=
21

7. Addition or subtraction of fractions, whole numbers and mixed numbers.

Example 4
4
a) 5 -
9
5 3
b) 3 +
6 5
2 1
c) 4 - 3
9 7

Solution
4 4
a) 5 - = 4 +1-
9 9
9 4
=4+ -
9 9
5
=4
9
 5 3 5 �5 3 �6
b) 3 + =3+ +
6 5 6 �5 5 �6
25 18
=3+ +
30 30
43
=3+
30

13
=3+1
30
13
=4
30

2 1 2 1
c) 4 -3 = ( 4 – 3 ) + ( - )
9 7 9 7

2 �7 1 �9
=1+ -
9 �7 7 �9
14 9
=1+ -
63 63
5
=1
63

Multiplication and Division of Fractions

1. In multiplication:
I. Multiply numerator by numerator
II. Multiply denominator by denominator
III. If possible, simplify the answer to its lowest term.
* method of cancellation can be used
Example 4
3 25 75
a) � =
5 27 135
5
=
9
or
1 5
3 25 5
� = method of cancellation
1 5 927 9

2. In division:
I. Multiply the fraction with the reciprocal of the second fraction
 (reciprocal of a number or fraction refers to the inverse of the number or
fraction)
Example
1
3 reciprocal
3
3 reciprocal 14
14 3
II. If possible, simplify the answer to its lowest term.
* method of cancellation can be used
Example5
2 8 2 49 reciprocal
a) � = �
7 49 7 8
1 7
2 49
= �
7 8
1 4

7
=
4
3
=1
4

3. In multiplication or division of a mixed number by a mixed number:

I. Change the mixed numbers into improper fractions
II. Then, carry out the computations.
III. If possible, simplify the answer to its lowest term.
* method of cancellation can be used

Example 6 1 7
3 3 8 35
a) 1 �2 = � Change to
5 16 5 216
1 improper fraction
7
=
2
1
=3
2

4 8 18 36
b) 2 �2 = �
7 14 7 14
1 2
18 14
= � Change to improper
7 36 fraction and reciprocal
1 2
=1