how to solve fraction questions in math

How to Solve Fraction Questions in MathAdding and Subtracting Fractions Converting Mixed Numbers into Improper Fractions Multiplying Fractions Dividing Fractions Edited by EvilFlame, Teresa, Maluniu, Mimi and 56 others

Fraction questions can look tricky at first, but they become easier with practice and know-how. Once you understand the fundamentals of what fractions are, you'll be breezing through fraction problems like a knife through butter. You will have to start with Step 1 and learn how to perform basic addition and subtraction, and then move on to more complex calculations.

Method 1 of 4: Adding and Subtracting Fractions

1.

1Find the lowest common denominator (bottom number). For both adding and subtracting fractions, you'll start with the same process. Figure out the lowest common fraction that both denominators can go into.

For example, if you have 1/4 and 1/6, the lowest common denominator is 12. (4x3=12, 6x2=12)

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2.

2

Multiply fractions to match the lowest common denominator. Remember that when you're doing this, you're not actually changing the number, just the terms in which it's expressed. Think of it like a pizza - 1/2 of a pizza and 2/4 of a pizza are the same amount.

Figure out how many times your current denominator goes into the lowest common denominator. For 1/4, 4 multiplied by 3 is 12. For 1/6, 6 multiplied by 2 is 12.

Multiply the fraction's numerator and denominator by that number. For 1/4, you would multiply both 1 and 4 by 3, coming up with 3/12. 1/6 multiplied by 2 becomes 2/12. Now your problem looks like 3/12 + 2/12 or 3/12 - 2/12.

1.

1Add or subtract the two numerators (top number) but NOT the denominators.The reason is because you are trying to say how many of that type of fraction you have,

total. If you added the denominators as well, you would be changing what type of fractions they are.

For 3/12 + 2/12, your final answer is 5/12. For 3/12 - 2/12, it's 1/12

Method 2 of 4: Converting Mixed Numbers into Improper Fractions

1.

1Convert mixed numbers into improper fractions. Improper fractions are those whose numerators are larger than their denominators. (For example, 17/5.) If you are multiplying and dividing, you must convert mixed numbers into improper fractions before you begin the rest of your calculations.

Say you have the mixed number 3 2/5 (three and two-fifths).

2.

2Take the whole (non-fraction) number and multiply it by the denominator. #*In our example, that means 3 x 5, which is 15.

3.

3Add that answer to the numerator.

For our example, we add 15 + 2 to get 17

4.

4Put that amount over the original denominator and you will have an improper fraction.

In our case, we get 17/5.

Method 3 of 4: Multiplying Fractions

1.

1Make sure you're working with two fractions. These instructions work only if you have two fractions. If you

have any mixed numbers involved, convert them to improper fractions first..

2.

2

Multiply numerator x numerator, then multiply denominator x denominator.

So say I had 1/2 x 3/4, I would multiply 1 x 3 and 2 x 4. The answer is 3/8.

Method 4 of 4: Dividing Fractions

1.

1Make sure you're working with two fractions. Again, this process will work ONLY if you have already converted any mixed numbers into improper fractions.

2.

2Flip the second fraction upside down.

3.

3Change the division sign into a multiplication sign.

If you started with 8/15 ÷ 3/4 then it would become 8/15 x 4/3

2.

4Multiply top x top and bottom x bottom.

8 x 4 is 32 and 15 x 3 is 45, so the final answer is 32/45.