Chapter 1 FraCtions 37
- 10 < 12
- 10 ≤ 12
12.^34 ⋅=^1612
- 2 · 15 = 30
- 14 − 5 = 9
- 9 > 6
- 9 ≥ 6
Summary
In this chapter, we learned how to:
• Perform multiplication and division with fractions. Multiply fractions by mul-
tiplying the numerators together and the denominators together. To divide
two fractions, write the problem as a multiplication problem by inverting
(switching the numerator and denominator) the second fraction.
• Write a fraction in lowest terms. A fraction is in lowest terms if the numerator
and denominator have no common factors. This involves factoring the
numerator and denominator and dividing out (canceling) the common
factors. Writing a fraction in lowest terms is also called simplifying the
fraction and reducing the fraction.
• Perform addition and subtraction with fractions having the same denominator.
Add (subtract) two fractions having the same denominator by adding
(subtracting) their numerators.
• Find the least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions. Begin by finding
the smallest number that is a multiple of each denominator. Divide this
multiple by the first denominator. Multiply the numerator and denominator
by this number. This gets an equivalent fraction having the LCD as its
denominator. Do the same thing to the second fraction.
• Perform addition and subtraction with fractions having different denominators.
Write each fraction so that its denominator is the LCD and then add/
subtract the numerators.
• Perform arithmetic with fractions and whole numbers. Write the whole num-
ber in fraction form (its denominator is 1) and then follow one of the
procedures outlined above.
