Converting Fractions Study Guide

Introduction to Converting Fractions

Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater.

—Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist (1879–1955)

This lesson begins with another definition of a fraction. Then you'll see how to reduce fractions and how to raise them to higher terms—skills you'll need to do arithmetic with fractions. Before actually beginning fraction arithmetic (which is in the next lesson), you'll learn some clever shortcuts for comparing fractions.

A fraction is defined as a part of a whole. Here's a new definition, which you'll find useful as you move into solving arithmetic problems involving fractions.

A fraction means "divide."

The top number of the fraction is divided

by the bottom number.

Thus, means "3 divided by 4," which may also be written as 3 ÷ 4 or 4√3. The value of is the same as the quotient (result) you get when you do the division. Thus, , which is the decimal value of the fraction. Notice that of a dollar is the same thing as 75¢, which can also be written as $0.75, the decimal value of .

Example: Find the decimal value of .

Divide 9 into 1 (note that you have to add a decimal point and a series of zeros to the end of the 1 in order to divide 9 into 1):

The fraction is equivalent to the repeating decimal 0.1111 etc., which can be written as . (The little "hat" over the 1 indicates that it repeats indefinitely.)

The rules of arithmetic do not allow you to divide by zero. Thus, zero can never be the bottom number of a fraction.

Reducing a Fraction

Reducing a fraction means writing it in lowest terms, that is, with smaller numbers. For instance, 50¢ is of a dollar, or of a dollar. In fact, if you have 50¢ in your pocket, you say that you have half a dollar. We say that the fraction reduces to . Reducing a fraction does not change its value. When you do arithmetic with fractions, always reduce your answer to lowest terms. To reduce a fraction:

1. Find a whole number that divides evenly into the top number and the bottom number.
2. Divide that number into both the top and bottom numbers and replace them with the quotients (the division answers).
3. Repeat the process until you can't find a number that divides evenly into the top and bottom numbers.

   It's faster to reduce when you find the largest number that divides evenly into both numbers of the fraction.

Example: Reduce to lowest terms .

Two steps:	One step:
1. Divide by 4:	1. Divide by 8:
2. Divide by 2:

Reducing Shortcut

When the top and bottom numbers both end in zeros, cross out the same number of zeros in both numbers to begin the reducing process. (Crossing out zeros is the same as dividing by 10; 100; 1,000; etc., depending on the number of zeros you cross out.) For example, reduces to when you cross out two zeros in both numbers:

Raising a Fraction to Higher Terms

Before you can add and subtract fractions, you have to know how to raise a fraction to higher terms. This is actually the opposite of reducing a fraction. To raise a fraction to higher terms:

1. Divide the original bottom number into the new bottom number.
2. Multiply the quotient (the step 1 answer) by the original top number.
3. Write the product (the step 2 answer) over the new bottom number.

Example: Raise to 12ths.

1.	Divide the old bottom number (3) into the new one (12):	3√12=4
2..	Multiply the quotient (4) by the old top number (2):	4 ×2 = 8
3.	Write the product (8) over the new bottom number (12):
4.	Check: Reduce the new fraction to make sure you get back
	the original fraction.

A reverse Z pattern can help you remember how to raise a fraction to higher terms. Start with number 1 at the lower left, and then follow the arrows and numbers to the answer.

Divide 3 into 12		Write the answer here
Multiply the result of by 2