Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

It may seem like a headache, but in fact, as long as you know how to do it and practice a little, the fraction problem will become easy. Fractions math will not be a problem once you get the hang of it. Start with step 1, from basic addition and subtraction and move on to more complex math operations.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Multiply two fractions

1. 

   Here, we work with two fractions. This instruction is only correct in case you need to multiply two fractions. If there are mixed numbers, you will first need to convert them to nonreal fractions (fractions with larger numerator than sample).

2. 

   
   
   Factors with elements, patterns with patterns.
   • For example, to multiply 1/2 by 3/4, we take 1 multiplied by 3 and 2 multiplied by 4. The result is 3/8.
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Method 2 of 4: Divide two fractions

1. 

   
   
   Here, we work with two fractions. This indication is ONLY correct if all the mixed numbers have been converted to nonreal fractions.

2. 

   Reverse the second fraction.

3. 

   
   
   Change the divider to a multiplication sign.
   • For example, 8/15 ÷ 3/4 will be converted to 8/15 x 4/3

4. 

   Multiply the top number by the number above and the bottom number by the number below.
   • 8 x 4 equals 32 and 15 x 3 equals 45, so the final answer is 32/45.
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Method 3 of 4: Convert the mixed numbers to an untrue fraction

1. 

   Convert mixed numbers to non-real fractions. Fractions are not really fractions that have a larger numerator than the denominator (Such as 17/5). When multiplying or dividing, you must first convert the mixed numbers to an untrue fraction before proceeding with the calculation.
   • For example, a mix of 3 2/5 (three and two fifths).

2. 

   Multiply the portion of the integer (without the fraction) by the denominator.
   • Here, we will take 3 x 5, and get 15.

3. 

   Add the result to the numerator.
   • Here, we add 15 + 2 and get 17.

4. 

   Replace the original numerator with the value obtained above, and we have an actual fraction.
   • In this example, we get 5/17.
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Method 4 of 4: Add and subtract fractions

1. 

   Find the least common denominator (the sample is the number shown below). With both addition and subtraction of two fractions, we start with this step: Find the denominator of the least common of both fractions.
   • For example, with 1/4 and 1/6, the smallest common pattern is 12 (4x3 = 12, 6x2 = 12)

2. 

   Reconstruct the fractions so that they have a sample of the smallest common sample. Remember that by doing so, we are just transforming, not changing the values ​​of the numbers. Like with a cake, 1/2 or 2/4 pies are the same.
   • Calculate how much the current sample should be multiplied by the minimum common sample. With 1/4, 4 times 3 equals 12. For 1/6, 6 times 2 equals 12.
   • Multiply both the numerator and the denominator of the given fraction by the number above. With 1/4, you would multiply 3 by both 1 and 4 and get 3/12. 1/6 is multiplied by 2 and becomes 2/12. At this point, the problem becomes 3/12 + 2/12 or 3/12 - 2/12.

3. 

   Add or subtract the two numerators (the number on top) and KEEP THE denominator integer. Here, we are trying to calculate how many parts we have in total. By adding the denominator, you change the "part" itself.
   • With 3/12 + 2/12, the final answer will be 5/12. In the case of December 3 - December 2, it is December 1.
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Advice

• Basic skills in four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) make calculations faster and easier.
• To find the inverse of an integer, simply set 1 as the numerator and convert the number to the denominator. For example, the inverse of 5 is 1/5.
• You can multiply and divide mixed numbers without having to convert them to nonreal fractions. But doing so requires using distributive computation in a complex and stressful way. Hence, you better turn to non-real fractions for the calculation.
• "Reverse fractions" is also "find inverse". You still just have to swap the positions of the numerator and the denominator. For example April 2 becomes 4/2.
• Fraction never have zero sample. The denominator of zero is insignificant because division by zero is mathematically illegal.

Warning

• Convert the mixed numbers to an untrue fraction before starting.
• Check with your teacher to see if you are required to convert your answers back to mixed numbers. Some teachers prefer answers expressed in mixed numbers, while others prefer to use non-real fractions.
  • For example, 3 1/4 instead of 13/4.
• Check with your teacher if you need to shorten your answer to minimal fractions.
  • For example 2/5 is a minimal fraction while 16/40 is not. 16/40 can be reduced to 2/5 because 16 dividing 8 equals 2 and 40 dividing 8 gives 5. 8 is the maximum common divisor of 16 and 40.