3.2

1. 3.2 What’s a Fraction?

2. What does a fraction look like? • Fraction bar • Top = numerator • Bottom = denominator • Proper fraction = numerator is smaller than denominator • Improper fraction = numerator is larger than the denominator • Special note: • Numerators can equal 0 • Denominators cannot equal 0

3. Mixed numbers • Improper fractions can be put into the form of a mixed number • Procedure: • Use the fraction bar as a division bar • Numerator goes inside the box, • Denominator outside • Remainders are the numerator • Reverse the process: • Whole number times the denominator plus the numerator = new numerator • Denominators stay the same

4. Try it • Write as mixed # • 26/3 • 36/4 • Write as an improper fraction • 9&4/7 • 2&3/16 • 3

5. Reduce your fractions • Same as putting your fraction in simplest form • Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF • Ex 12/15 • GCF = 3 • 12 divided 3 = 4 • 15 divided by 3 = 5 • Reduced fraction = 4/5 • Do this with every answer you get!

6. Scale up • Ex1: 3/8 = ?/40 • Ex2: 5/13 = ?/39

7. Which is bigger? • How to tell if one fraction is bigger than another • A. See if the fractions have the same denominator • B. If not, scale them up to the LCM of the denominators (find the common denominator) • C. Compare the numerators to see which is bigger • Ex1: 5/12 and 7/18 • A. Denominators not the same • B. LCM of 12 & 18 = 36 • 5/12 = 15/36 • 7/18 = 14/36 • C. 15 is greater than 14 so • 5/12 > 7/18

8. Try a few • Put in simplest form • 21/84 • 32/12 • 11t/22 • 5z/5 • Scale up: • 5/9 = ?/81 • 8 = ?/12 • Which is bigger? • 4/9 or 8/21 • 17/24 or 7/9

9. Homework • 1- 135 eoo • evens: 2 – 134 eoe (every other even) • Also 136, 138