Try your best to keep your fractions in a straight line. This will just make it easier to stay organized and work efficiently.
In another example, solve for the numerator of 3/4 * 1/3. Any number times 1 will be itself, so your new numerator is 3.
For 3/4 * 1/3, multiply 4 * 3 to get the new denominator of 12. The answer to your multiplication problem is 3/12.
Simply the fraction 3/12. 3 goes into both itself and 12 evenly. The simplified answer is 1/4.
Fractions are made up of 2 parts, the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number), and they are separated with a straight, horizontal line. To write a mixed number, put the whole number on the left-hand side of the fraction.
1 and 3/4 = 7/4 when it’s made into an improper fraction. The denominator will always stay the same when making improper fractions. Multiply the denominator by the whole number (4 1) and add that answer to the current numerator (3). (41) + 3 = 7. For 7 and 1/5, multiply the denominator by the whole number (57) and add that answer to the current numerator (1). (57) + 1 = 36. Put the new numerator over the original denominator for your improper fraction. 7 and 1/5 = 36/5.
Divide 4 by 4 to get 1, changing the first fraction from 7/4 to 7/1. Divide 36 by 4 to get 9, changing the second fraction from 36/5 to 9/5. You can also simplify single fractions if the numerator and denominator have a common factor. For example, if 7/4 were instead 8/4, you could simplify that fraction to 2/1.
If you can’t do the division in your head for the whole number, write it out on your piece of paper.
Some calculators have functions that allow you to enter the fraction as a fraction so that you don’t have to deal with decimals at all. Check out your calculator’s instruction manual to see if that’s an option that is available to you.
For example, to turn the mixed number 3 and 3/4 into a decimal, all you have to do is divide 3 by 4 on your calculator, getting 0. 75. Then, place the 3 in front of the decimal point to get 3. 75.
If your calculator has parentheses, you could also put the equation into the calculator all at once by typing: (3/4) * (1/2). The “/“ stands for the division button.
If your calculator has the fraction function, you can usually convert the decimal to a fraction just using your calculator.
It’s totally okay if it takes you a few steps to simplify a fraction. Take your time, don’t rush your work, and you will get there in the end!
