1-4. LOWEST TERMS
a. A fraction is said to be at its lowest terms when the numerator and the
denominator cannot be divided by the same number to arrive at a lower valued
numerator and denominator. For example: 3/4 is at its lowest terms because the
numerator 3 and the denominator 4 cannot be divided by the same number to lower
their values.
b. The fraction 4/8 is not at its lowest terms because the numerator 4 and the
denominator 8 can both be divided by the same number to lower their values. The
largest number that the numerator 4 and the denominator 8 can be divided by is 4.
44 = 1
84
2
Therefore, 1/2 is 4/8 at its lowest terms.
c. Reduce the following fractions to their lowest terms (if they can be reduced). If
they are at their lowest terms, indicate this by placing the same fraction on the answer
side of the equal sign:
(1)
7/8
=
___________.
(2)
8/20
=
___________.
(3)
2/14
=
___________.
(4)
25/125
=
___________.
(5)
4/5
=
___________.
Answers: (1) 7/8
(3) 1/7
(5) 4/5
(2) 2/5
(4) 1/5
1-5. TYPES OF FRACTIONS
a. PROPER Fraction--A PROPER fraction is a fraction that has a numerator
smaller than the denominator.
Examples:
1/2, 3/4, 7/8.
b. IMPROPER Fraction--An improper fraction is a fraction that has a numerator
larger than the denominator.
Examples:
9/2, 5/3, 3/2.
MD0802
1-6
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