How to Solve Fraction

Questions in Math
Adding 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.
1
Find 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)
Ad
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.
1
Add 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.
1
Convert 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.
2
Take the whole (non-fraction) number and multiply it
by the denominator. #*In our example, that means 3 x
5, which is 15.
3.
3
Add that answer to the numerator.
For our example, we add 15 + 2 to get 17
4.
4
Put 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.
1
Make 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.
1
Make 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.
2
Flip the second fraction upside down.
3.
3
Change 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.
4
Multiply 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.