Fractions

Year 7 Interactive Maths - Second Edition

$A number like a/b, where a and b are integers, is called a fraction.$

$5/6 is an example of a fraction where 5 is the numerator and 6 is the denominator.$

If the numerator is smaller than the denominator, then the fraction is said to be a proper fraction.

$3/4 is an example of a proper fraction.$

Proper fractions are smaller than 1.

If the numerator is greater than the denominator, then the fraction is said to be an improper fraction.

$4/3 is an example of an improper fraction.$

Improper fractions are greater than 1.

$A graphic illustration of equivalent fractions.$

$Equivalent fractions are equal fractions.$

We notice that:

$The value of a fraction remains the same after multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number.$

The numerator of a fraction and denominator of a fraction can be multiplied by the same number without altering the value of the fraction.

$The value of a fraction remains the same after dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number.$

The numerator of a fraction and denominator of a fraction can be divided by the same number without altering the value of the fraction.

$The fractions 4/8 and 1/2 are equivalent.$

We find, by trial and error, that 7 divides into both the numerator and denominator.

$8/9 is a fraction in simplest form.$

Usually, we set out the solution as follows:

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