Introduction to Fractions

Proper Fractions: The numerator is less than the denominator.

1 3 2
Examples: , ,
3 4 7
Improper Fractions: The numerator is greater than the denominator.
4 11 9
Examples: , ,
3 4 7
Mixed Fraction: A whole number and a proper fraction together.
1 1 2
Examples: 1 , 2 ,5
3 4 5

Converting an Improper Fraction into a Mixed Fraction

To convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, follow these steps:

- Divide the numerator by the denominator.

- Write down the whole number answer
- Then write down any remainder above the denominator.
 Converting Mixed Fractions to Improper Fractions

To convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, follow these steps:

- Multiply the whole number part by the fraction's denominator.

- Add that to the numerator
- Then write the result on top of the denominator.

Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent Fractions have the same value, even though they may look different.
And visually it looks like this:

Choose the number you divide by carefully, so that the results (both top and bottom) stay whole
numbers.

If we keep dividing until we can't go any further, then we have simplified the fraction (made it as
simple as possible).

Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)

What is a multiple?

We get a multiple of a number when we multiply it by another number. Such as multiplying by 1, 2,

3, 4, 5, etc, but not zero. Just like the multiplication table.

Here are some examples:

The multiples of 3 are: 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30 ,...

The multiples of 9 are: 9,18,27,36,45,54,63,72,81,90,...

What is a Common Multiple?

After listing the first few multiples of 3 and 6: the common multiples are those that are found in
both lists:
 The multiples of 3 are: 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30 ,...

The multiples of 9 are: 9,18,27,36,45,54,63,72,81,90,...

Notice that 9, 18 and 27 appear in both lists?

So, the common multiples of 3 and 9 are: 9, 18, 27 (and 36, 45, etc ..., too)

What is the “Least/Lowest Common Multiple" (LCM)?

It is simply the smallest of the common multiples.

In the previous example, the smallest of the common multiples is 9. So, the Lowest Common
Multiple of 3 and 9 is 9.

Example: Find the least common multiple of 4 and 10:

The multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, ...

and the multiples of 10 are: 10, 20, ...

The first number we have in common is 20.

So, the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 10 is 20.

LCM
Shortcut Method
Steps:
1) Write the two numbers as a fraction, with the smaller number as numerator. Then reduce the
fraction to its lowest terms.
2) Cross multiply.

Examples: Find the LCM of:

1) 3 and 6
3
As a fraction we have
6
3 1
Now we reduce the fraction =
6 2
3 1 3 1
Then we cross multiply = LCM = 3x 2 = 6 or = LCM= 1 x 6 = 6
6 2 6 2

2) 4 and 12

4 1
= LCM= 4 x 3 = 12
12 3
3) 4 and 5
4
As a fraction we have
5
Since we cannot reduce the fraction, we simply multiply the two numbers.
So, LCM = 4 x 5 = 20

4) 3 and 5

3
This fraction cannot be reduced so,
5
LCM = 3 x 5 = 15