1-17. CHANGING FRACTIONS TO LOWEST POSSIBLE TERMS
Some fractions can (and should) be changed (reduced) to their lowest terms.
This is done by dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number. This
should be the largest possible number that will go into the numerator and denominator.
A fraction is said to be at its lowest terms when the numerator and denominator cannot
be divided by the same number to arrive at a lower numerator and denominator.
EXAMPLE: Reduce the fraction 9
12.
What number goes into 9 and 12 evenly?
The answer is 3.
Divide the numerator by 3. 9 divided by 3 = 3.
9
= 3
12
Divide the denominator by 3. 12 divided by 3 = 4.
9= 3
12 4
Therefore, 9 can be reduced to 3
12
4.
These two fractions are equal in value.
Remember, reducing does not change the value of a fraction.
1-18. CHANGING IMPROPER FRACTIONS TO MIXED NUMBERS OR WHOLE
NUMBERS
Improper fractions are changed to mixed or whole numbers by dividing the
numerator by the denominator.
EXAMPLES: 8 = 8 : 4 = 2 (a whole number)
4
6 = 6 : 5 = 1 1 (a mixed number)
5
5
1-19. PRACTICE 1-4
a. Identify the following as proper fractions, improper fractions, or mixed
numbers:
MD0904
1-14