Basic Mathematics for College Students

296 Chapter 3 Summary and Review

CHAPTER 3 SUMMARY AND REVIEW

SECTION 3.1 An Introduction to Fractions

A fractiondescribes the number of equal parts

of a whole.

In a fraction, the number above the fraction bar

is called the numerator,and the number below

is called the denominator.

DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS EXAMPLES

Since 3 of 8 equal parts are colored red, (three-eighths) of the figure

is shaded.

Fraction bar numerator

denominator

(^3) 
8

3
8
STUDY SKILLS CHECKLIST
Working w ith Fractions
Before taking the test on Chapter 3, make sure that you have a solid understanding of the
following methods for simplifying, multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting fractions. Put a
checkmark in the box if you can answer “yes” to the statement.
I know that to add or subtract fractions, they must
have a common denominator. To multiply or divide
fractions, they do notneed to have a common
denominator.
Need an LCD Do not need an LCD
I know how to find the LCD of a set of fractions
using one of the following methods.

• Write the multiples of the largest denominator
  in increasing order, until one is found that is
  divisible by the other denominators.


• Prime factor each denominator. The LCM is a
  product of prime factors, where each factor is
  used the greatest number of times it appears in
  any one factorization.
  I know how to build equivalent fractions by
  multiplying the given fraction by a form of 1.

1



10

15



2  5

3  5

2

3



2

3



5

5

11

40



5

8

4

7



2

9

9

20



7

12

2

3



1

5

I know how to simplify fractions by factoring the

numerator and denominator and then removing

the common factors.

When multiplying fractions, I know that it is

important to factor and simplify first, before

multiplying.

Factor and simplify first Don’t multiply first

To divide fractions, I know to multiply the first

fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

7

8



23

24



7

8



24

23



360

560



3  5

1

 3  8

1

2  8

1

 5

1

 7

15

16



24

35



15  24

16  35

15

16



24

35



15  24

16  35



21

25



2

1

 3  7

2

1

 5  5

42

50



2  3  7

2  5  7