Fractions

Contents
Intro to Fractions…………………………………….. page 2
Reducing Fractions………………………………….. page 13
Ordering Fractions…………………………………… page 16
Multiplication and Division of Fractions………… page 18
Addition and Subtraction of Fractions………….. page 26
Answer Keys………………………………………….. page 39
 Intro to Fractions

Reading Fractions
Fractions are parts. We use them to write and work with amounts that are less
than a whole number (one) but more than zero. The form of a fraction is one
number over another, separated by a fraction (divide) line.
1 3 5
i.e. , , and
2 4 9
These are fractions. Each of the two numbers tells certain information about
the fraction (partial number). The bottom number (denominator) tells how many
parts the whole (one) was divided into. The top number (numerator) tells how
many of the parts to count.

1
says, “Count one of two equal ports.”
2

3
says, “Count three of four equal parts.”
4

5
says, “Count five of nine equal parts.”
9

Fractions can be used to stand for information about wholes and their parts:
EX. A class of 20 students had 6 people absent one day. 6 absentees are
6
part of a whole class of 20 people. represents the fraction of people
20
absent.
EX. A “Goodbar” candy breaks up into 16 small sections. If someone ate 5
5
of those sections, that person ate of the “Goodbar”.
16
Exercise 1 Write fractions that tell the following information:
(answers on page 39)

1. Count two of five equal parts

2. Count one of four equal parts

3. Count eleven of twelve equal parts

4. Count three of five equal parts

5. Count twenty of fifty equal parts

6. It’s 25 miles to Gramma’s. We have already driven 11 miles. What

fraction of the way have we driven?

7. A pizza was cut into twelve slices. Seven were eaten. What fraction of
the pizza was eaten?

8. There are 24 students in a class. 8 have passed the fractions test.

What fraction of the students have passed fractions?

The Fraction Form of One

Because fractions show how many parts the whole has been divided into and
how many of the parts to count, the form also hints at the number of parts
needed to make up the whole thing. If the bottom number (denominator) is
5
five, we need 5 parts to make a whole: 1 . If the denominator is 18, we
5
18
need 18 parts to make a whole of 18 parts: 1 . Any fraction whose top
18
and bottom numbers are the same is equal to 1.
2 4 100 11 6
Example: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1
2 4 100 11 6
Complementary Fractions
Fractions tell us how many parts are in a whole and how many parts to count.
The form also tells us how many parts have not been counted (the complement).
The complement completes the whole and gives opposite information that can
be very useful.
3
says, “Count 3 of 4 equal parts.” That means 1 of the 4 was not counted and
4
is somehow different from the original 3.
3 1 4
implies another 1 (its complement). Together, 3 and make , the whole
4 4 4 4 4
thing.
5
says, “Count 5 of 8 equal parts.” That means 3 of the 8 parts have not been
8
3 5 3 8
counted, which implies another , the complement. Together, and make ,
8 8 8 8
which is equal to one.

Complementary Situations
5
It’s 8 miles to town, We have driven 5 miles. That’s of the way, but we still
8
3
have 3 miles to go to get there or of the way.
8
5 3 8
+ = = 1 (1 is all the way to town).
8 8 8
7
A pizza was cut into 12 pieces. 7 were eaten . That means there are 5 slices
12
5 7 5 12
left or of the pizza. + = = 1 (the whole pizza).
12 12 12 12

Mary had 10 dollars. She spent 5 dollars on gas, 1 dollar on parking, and 3
dollars on lunch. In fraction form, how much money does she have left?
5
Gas = , parking = 1 , lunch = 3
10 10 10
5 1 3 9 1
+ + = ; is the complement (the leftover money)
10 10 10 10 10
10
Altogether it totals or all of the money.
10
Exercise 2 (answers on page 39)
Write the complements to answer the following questions:
1. A cake had 16 slices. 5 were eaten. What fraction of the cake was
left?

2. There are 20 people in our class. 11 are women. What part of the class
are men?

3. It is 25 miles to grandma’s house. We have driven 11 miles already.

What fraction of the way do we have left to go?

4. There are 36 cookies in the jar. 10 are Oreos. What fraction of the
cookies are not Oreos?

Reducing Fractions
If I had 20 dollars and spent 10 dollars on a CD, it’s easy to see I’ve spent half
10 1
of my money. It must be that . Whenever the number of the part (top)
20 2
and the number of the whole (bottom) have the same relationship between
them that a pair of smaller numbers have, you should always give the smaller
1 5
pair answer. 2 is half of 4. 5 is half of 10. is the reduced form of and
2 10
2 10
and and many other fractions.
4 20
A fraction should be reduced any time both the top and bottom number can be
divided by the same smaller number. This way you can be sure the fraction is as
simple as it can be.
5
both 5 and 10 can be divided by 5
10
5 5 5 1
10 10 5 2
1 5
describes the same number relationship that did, but with smaller
2 10
1
numbers. is the reduced form of 5 .
2 10
6
both 6 and 8 can be divided by 2. 6 6 2 3
8 8 8 2 4
3 6
is the reduced form of .
4 8
When you divide both the top and bottom numbers of a fraction by the same
number, you are dividing by a form of one so the value of the fraction doesn’t
change, only the size of the numbers used to express it.
6
12 12 2 These numbers are smaller but they can go lower
16 16 2 8
6 6 2 3
because both 6 and 8 can be divided by 2 again.
8 8 2 4
18 18 2 9 9 3 3
24 24 2 12 12 3 4

27 27 3 9 9 3 3 27 27 9 3
or
63 63 3 21 21 3 7 63 63 9 7
Exercise 3 (answers on page 39)
Try these. Keep dividing until you can’t divide anymore.
6 12 14
1. = 2. = 3. =
8 15 18

8 6 16
4. = 5. = 6. =
10 12 24

Good knowledge of times tables will help you see the dividers you need to
reduce fractions.
Here are some hints you can use that will help, too.
Hint 1
2
If the top and bottom numbers are both even, use .
2
Hint 2
3
If the sum of the digits is divisible by 3 then use .
3
111
looks impossible but note that 111 (1+1+1) adds up to three and 231 (2+3+1)
231
adds up to 6. Both 3 and 6 divide by 3 and so will both these numbers:
111 111 3 37
231 231 3 77
The new fraction doesn’t look too simple, but it is smaller than when we first started.
Hint 3
5
If the 2 numbers of the fraction end in 0 and/or 5, you can divide by .
5
45 45 5 9
70 70 5 14

Hint 4
If both numbers end in zeros, you can cancel the zeros in pairs, one from the
10
top and one from the bottom. This is the same as dividing them by for each
10
cancelled pair.

4000 4000 4 4 2 2
50000 50000 50 50 2 25

Hint 5
2 3 5
If you have tried to cut the fraction by , , and gotten nowhere, you
2 3 5
should try to see if the top number divides into the bottom one evenly. For
23
, none of the other hints help here, but 69 23 = 3. This means you can
69
reduce by 23 . 23 23 23 1
23 69 69 23 3

For more help on reducing fractions, see page 13

Exercise 4 (answers on page 39)

Directions: Reduce these fractions to lowest terms
14 80 18 400
1. 2. 3. 4.
18 100 36 5000

20 27 40 63
5. 6. 7. 8.
25 36 45 81

9 60 17 50
9. 10. 11. 12.
12 85 51 75
Higher Equivalents
There are good reasons for knowing how to build fractions up to a larger form.
It is exactly the opposite of what we do in reducing. If reducing is done by
division, it makes sense that building up should be done by multiplication.
1 1 2 2
2 2 2 4

3 3 3 9
5 5 3 15

8 8 6 48
9 9 6 54

A fraction can be built up to an equivalent form by multiplying by any form of

one, any number over itself.
2 2 6 12 2 2 4 8
3 3 6 18 3 3 4 12

2 2 11 22 2 2 5 10
3 3 11 33 3 3 5 15

2 12 8 22 6 2 2
3 18 12 33 All are forms of ; all will r educe to
9 3 3

Comparing Fractions
Sometimes it is necessary to compare the size of fractions to see which is
larger or smaller, or if the two are equal. Sometimes several fractions must be
placed in order of size. Unless fractions have the same bottom number
(denominator) and thus parts of the same size, you can’t know for certain which
is larger or if they are equal.

2 5
Which is larger or ? Who knows? A ruler might help, but rulers aren’t
3 6
usually graduated in thirds or sixths. Did you notice that if 3 were doubled, it
would be 6?
So build up 2 by 2 ; 2 2 2 4
3 2 3 3 2 6

5
Then it’s easy to see that is larger because it counts more sixth parts than
6
4 4 5 2 5
, so < means
6 6 6 3 6

15 3
Which is larger or ?
16 4

3 4 3
Build up by . 3 4 12 15 12 15 3
. so
4 4 4 4 4 16 16 16 16 4

Exercise 5 (answers on page 39)

Use <, >, or = to compare these fractions

3 9 2 3 1 1
1. 2. 3.
4 16 5 10 3 2

4. 10 5 5. 7 15
16 8 8 16
Mixed Numbers
A “mixed” number is one that is part whole number and part fraction.
1 5 2
3 , 4 , 11 are samples of mixed numbers. Mixed numbers have to be
2 8 3
written as fractions only if you’re going to multiply or divide them or use them
as multipliers or divisors in fraction problems. This change of form is easy to
1
do. Think about 3 . That’s 3 whole things and half another. Each of the 3
2
2 2 2 2
wholes has 2 halves ( 1 ) . The number 3 is 1+1+1 or . That’s
2 2 2 2
6 1 7
and, with the original , there’s a total of . You don’t have to think of
2 2 2
every one this way; just figure the whole number times the denominator
3 2 1 71
(bottom) and add the numerator (top) 3 .
2 2 2
1 3 2 1 7 5 4 8 5 32 5 37
3 4
2 2 2 8 8 8 8

2 2 3 2 6 2 8 5 11 9 5 99 5 104
2 11
3 3 3 3 9 9 9 9

Exercise 6 (answers on page 39)

Change these mixed numbers to “top heavy” fractions:
7 2 1 1
1. 5 2. 9 3. 2 4. 1
8 3 2 8

1 3 2 5
5. 13 6. 7 7. 12 8. 9
2 4 5 9

These “top heavy” forms are “work” forms, but they are not usually acceptable
answers. If the answer to a calculation comes out a top heavy fraction, it will
have to be changed to a mixed number. This can be done by reversing the times
1 7 2 3 1 7
and plus to divide and minus. 3 became by . can go back to
2 2 2 2
1
3 by dividing 7 and 2.
2
 31
2
2 7 The answer is the whole number 3. The remainder 1 is the top number of
6
1
the fraction and the divider 2 is the denominator (bottom fraction number).
4 4 11 2
37 37 45 17 1 35 11
8 4 17 4 3 35
8 8 4 4 3 3
32 16 33
5 1 2

Exercise 7 (answers on page 39)

Reduce these top heavy fractions to mixed numbers.
27 13 93 66 25
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
8 5 8 7 2

Top heavy fractions may contain common factors as well. They will need to be
divided out either before or after the top heavy fraction is changed to a mixed
number.
3
26 2 2 2 2 2 1
8 26 3 but can be divided by . Then 3 =3
8 8 8 2 8 2 4
24
2
2
If you had noticed that both 26 and 8 are even, you could divide out right
2
away and then go for the mixed number. Either way, the mixed number is the
same.
3
26 26 2 13 1
4 13 3
8 8 2 4 4
12
1
Exercise 8 (answers on page 39)
65 40 22 22 30
1. = 2. = 3. = 4. = 5. =
10 6 4 8 9
 Estimating Fractions

“One of the most important uses of estimation in mathematics is in the calculation of

problems involving fractions. People find it easier to detect significant errors when
working with whole numbers. However, the extra steps involved in the calculation with
fractions and mixed numbers often distract our attention from an error that we should
have detected.” 1

Students should ask the following questions as motivation for estimating:

1) Would estimates “help” in the calculation?
2) Is the answer I get reasonable?
3) Does the answer seem realistic?

Try to make every fraction you work with into a whole number. 0 and 1 should be your targets with
fractions. Mixed numbers should be estimated to the nearest whole number (except Ex.8).
Here are some examples of problems using estimation:
2 1
Ex. 1 1 1 2 note: ⅔ is closer to 1 (than 0) and ½ should be considered 1
3 2
This symbol means “approximately equal to”
1 1
Ex. 2 0 1 1 note: ⅓ is closer to 0 (than 1)
3 2

1 1
Ex. 3 5 2 5-3 2 note: 5⅓ is closer to 5 (than 6) and 2½ should be considered
3 2
closer to 3 (than 2)

2 1
Ex. 4 5 2 6 3 3 note: 5⅔ is closer to 6 (than 5)
3 2

2 1
Ex. 5 1 1 1 see Ex. 1 above
3 2

2 1
Ex. 6 11 1 see Ex. 1 above
3 2

1 1
Ex. 7 5 2 5 3 15 see Ex. 3 above
3 2

1 1
Ex. 8 5 2 6 3 2 note: 5⅓ is made into a 6 because it is easier to divide by 3
3 2
Exercise 9 Estimate the answers to the following fractions operations (answers on page 39)
1) 6 2 2) 6 1 3) 6 2 4) 6 2 5) 3 6 7 2 2 3 6) 8 3 7 3 2 3
7 3 7 3 7 3 7 3

1 Basic College Mathematics ,4th Ed., Tobey & Slater, p. 176

 Reducing Fractions

Divide by 2 if…
The top AND bottom numbers are EVEN numbers
2
Like: , 14 , 32
4 26 44

Divide by 3 if …
The sum of the top numbers can be divided by 3 AND the sum of the
bottom numbers can be divided by 3
Like: 561 5 6 1 12 12 can be divided evenly by 3
762 7 6 2 15 15 can be divided evenly by 3

Divide by 5 if…
The top AND bottom numbers end in 0 or 5
5 60 255
Like: , ,
15 75 460

Divide by 10 if…
The top AND bottom numbers end in 0.
20 140 320
Like: , ,
40 260 440

Divide by 25 if…
The top AND bottom numbers end in 25 or 50 or 75 or 100
225 150 3275
Like: , ,
400 275 4500
 Divisibility RULES!

Dividing by 3
Add up the digits: if the sum is divisible by three, then the number
divides by three.
207 3
Ex. 207 2 0 7 9 3 3 therefore divides by
603 6 0 3 9 3 3 603 3

Dividing by 4
Look at the last two digits. If they are divisible by four, then the number
divides by four.
124 4
124 24 24 4 6 therefore divides by
Ex.
136 36 36 4 9 136 4

Dividing by 6
If the digits can be divided by two and three, then the number divides by
six
Ex. 612 612 2 306
1806 1806 2 903
612 6
And therefore divides by
1806 6
612 612 3 204
1806 1806 3 602

Dividing by 7
Take the last digit, double it, and then subtract it from the other
numbers. If the answer is divisible by seven, then the number divides by
seven.
14 7 2 287 7
Ex. 287 28 - 14 therefore divides by
315 31 - 10 21 7 3 315 7

Dividing by 8
If the last three digits are divisible by eight then the number divides by
eight.
13 2104 8
Ex. 2104 104 8 therefore divides by
3160 160 8 20 3160 8
Dividing by 12
If the number divides by both 3 and 4, then the number will divide by 12
Ex. 1224 1224 3 408
3612 3612 3 1204
1224 12
And therefore divides by
3612 12
1224 1224 4 306
3612 3612 4 903

Dividing by 13
Delete the last digit. Subtract nine times the deleted digit from the
remaining number. If what is left is divisible by thirteen, then the number
divides by thirteen.
Ex.

Forget it! This is too much work!

Remember to try to reduce with any number that makes the reduction simple
and easy for you.
Good Luck!
 ORDERING
Fractions

Being able to place numbers in order (smallest to largest or largest to smallest)

is fundamental to the understanding of mathematics. In these exercises we will
learn how to order fractions.

Ordering Fractions
There are several ways to order fractions. One way is to use common sense.
This method can be simple but requires some general knowledge. If nothing
else, it can be used as a starting point to finding the necessary order.

Take a look at the following examples:

Ex. Place the following fractions from smallest to largest order
1 1 1
, ,
3 5 2
The larger the number on the bottom of a fraction (assuming the numerator is
the same for all the fractions), the smaller the fraction is. In the above
1
example, is the smallest fraction because the 5 is the largest denominator.
5
1
Next in order would be the because the 3 is the next largest denominator.
3
1
This leaves the , which has the smallest denominator. Therefore, the order
2
for these fractions is:
1 1 1
, ,
5 3 2

Ex. Place the following fractions from smallest to largest

3 2 5
, ,
5 3 6
5
The larger bottom number here is the 6 in . But the student should ask, “Is this the
6
smallest fraction?” By inspection, it does not seem to be. But with fractions of this sort
(different numerators), students run into the most problems when ordering.
Another way to order fractions is to find common denominators for all the
fractions; build up the fractions; then compare the top numbers (numerators)
of all the fractions.

Look at the following example:

Ex. Order the following fractions from smallest to largest

5 3 2
, ,
6 5 3

The fractions will be rewritten with common denominators. This process is called
building. Once the denominators change, then the numerators will change by the same
amount.

3 3 6 18 2 2 10 20 5 5 5 25
, ,
5 5 6 30 3 3 10 30 6 6 5 30

By looking at the top numbers, the order of these fractions is:

3 2 5
, ,
5 3 6

Exercise A (answers on page 42)

Order these fractions from SMALLEST to largest.
3
1. , 3
,
2
4 7 3

1 3 3
2. , ,
7 14 28

Exercise B (answers on page 42)

Order these fractions from LARGEST to smallest.
8
1. , 3
,
13
11 4 22

7
2. , 35
,
5
8 64 16
 Multiplication and Division of Fractions Worksheets

When multiplying fractions, simply multiply the numerators (top number of the
fractions) together and multiply the denominators (bottom number of the
fractions) together. It is good practice to check to see if any of the numbers
can cancel. Canceling is done when the numerator and denominator can be
divided evenly by the same number.
Note: canceling can happen top-to-bottom and/or diagonally but never across.

1 2 2
Ex. 1: this product can be canceled. Divide the numbers in the
2 3 6
2 2 1
fraction by 2 to get the canceled answer .
6 2 3
The fractions in Ex. 1 can cancel before they are multiplied.
1 21 1
Ex. 1:
12 3 3
The 2’s cancel by dividing by 2. Cross them out and place 1’s close by. Now
multiply the top numbers together, then the bottom numbers. The product is
the final answer.
7 1
35 100 can be rewritten as 35 100 7 1 7
Ex. 2:
40 1000 40 1000 8 10 80
8 10

Cancel by dividing by 5. Then cancel by dividing by 100. Multiply and get the
product. 1
1 3 1 1
Ex. 3: 3 can be written like. 1 Cancel by dividing by 3. Finally,
3 1 3 1
1
multiply to find the product.
Exercise 1 (answers on page 40)
Multiply these fractions. Cancel and simplify if possible.
1 2 1 4 3 10
1. 2. 3.
8 3 2 5 5 11

8 3 7 2 3 5
4. 5. 6.
9 4 10 21 4 7

1 5
7.
5 7 8. 6 9. 9
9 8 3 9

1 1
10. 10 11. 12 12.
15 8
2 3 16 10

6 1 5 3
13.
7 12 14. 15.
8 13 9 3 10 4

16 23 5 20 9 50
16. 17. 18.
17 24 16 30 10 100
Multiplying Mixed Numbers
Change mixed numbers into improper fractions then multiply as before.
5
1 1 5 10 25 1
Ex. 1: 2 3 8
2 3 12 3 3 3
Change the mixed numbers to improper fractions by:
1 2 2 1 4 1 5 1) multiplying the bottom number by the whole number
2
2 2 2 2
2) add the top number
3) keep the bottom number.
Cancel top and bottom. Multiply. Improper fractions simplify by dividing.
3
Ex.2: Change the mixed number into an improper
1 17 6 51 1
4 6 25
4 24 1 2 2
fraction. Change the whole number into an improper fraction. Cancel. Multiply.
Simplify to get the quotient.
Exercise 2 (answers on page 40)
Multiply these fractions. Cancel and simplify if necessary.
1 3 1 2 1 7
1. 1 1 2. 2 5 3. 4 1
2 4 3 5 3 8

1 1 1 7
4. 2 5. 3 6. 5
5 14
2 8 4 8 7 15

3 4 2
7. 7 1 8. 2 5 9. 6 9
8 5 3

8 5 1 2 1 1
10. 1 1 11. 7 8 12. 1 9
9 6 7 5 7 3
Dividing Fractions
When dividing fractions, invert (turn over) the fraction to the right of the
(“divide by”) symbol. Cancel (if possible) then multiply.
1 3 1 2
Ex. 1: 4 2
2 4 2 3 3
1

3 3 5 3 1 3
Ex. 2: 5
5 5 1 5 5 25

Exercise 3 (answers on page 40)

Divide these fractions. Cancel if necessary and simplify
2 5 9 1 3 1
1. 2. 3.
3 6 10 2 4 4

9 7 2 1 1 3
4. 5. 6.
11 22 5 6 2 4

7 1 1 1 5 15
7. 8. 9.
8 4 5 6 8 16

7 3 8 9
10.
15 5 11. 12.
16 8 12 4 9 8

3 1 3
13. 2 14. 6 15. 4
8 2 4
Dividing Mixed Number Fractions
When dividing mixed numbers, change the mixed numbers to improper
fractions, invert the fraction on the right of the symbol, cancel if possible,
multiply then simplify.
1 1 5 4 5 3 15 7
Ex. 1: 2 1 1
2 3 2 3 2 4 8 8
3
1 9 6 9 1 3
Ex. 2: 4 6
2 2 1 2 6 4
2

Exercise 4 (answers on page 40)

Divide the following mixed numbers. Cancel and simplify when possible.
3 1 1 1 2 9
1. 2 1 2. 3 1 3. 5 1
4 8 2 8 5 10

3 1 4 1 1 5
4. 2 5. 6 6. 8
4 3 5 2 3 6

5 6 7
7. 8 1 8. 3 2 9. 5 4
6 7 8

3 3 1 1 2 1
10. 3 3 11. 2 1 12. 16 13
7 7 2 2 3 6
Fraction Word Problems (Multiplication/Division)
When solving word problems, make sure to UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION.
Look for bits of information that will help get to the answer. Keep in mind that
some sentences may not have key words or key words might even be misleading.
USE COMMON SENSE when thinking about how to solve word problems. The
first thing you think of might be the best way to solve the problem.

Here are some KEY WORDS to look for in word problems:

Product, times: mean to multiply
Quotient, per, for each, average: mean to divide

Ex. 1: If 3 boxes of candy weigh 6½ pounds, find the weight per box.
“per” means to divide

1
6
1
3
13 3 13 1 13 2 pounds
2 2 1 2 3 6 6

Ex. 2: If one “2 by 4” is actually 3½ inches wide, find the width of twelve

“2 by 4”s.
twelve 2” by 4”’s here means 12 times as wide as one 2”
by 4”
1 6
3 12 7 12 42 inches
2 2 1
1
2 inches

3½ inches
Exercise 5 (answers on page 40)
Solve the following fraction word problems. Cancel and simplify your answers.
1. A stack of boards is 21 inches high. Each board is 1¾ inches thick. How
many boards are there?

2. A satellite makes 4 revolutions of the earth in one day. How many

revolutions would it make in 6½ days?

3. A bolt has 16½ turns per inch. How many turns would be in 2½ inches of
threads?

1 7
4. If a bookshelf is 28 inches long, how many 1 inch thick books will it
8 8
hold?

5. Deborah needs to make 16 costumes for the school play. Each costume
1
requires 2 yards of material. How many yards of material will she
4
need?
 1
6. The Coffee Pub has cans of coffee that weigh 3 pounds each. The Pub
4

has 8½ cans of coffee left. What is the total weight of 8 ½

cans?

1
7. Belinda baked 9 pies that weigh 20 pounds total. How much does each
4
pie weigh?

4
8. A piece of paper is inches thick. How many sheets of paper will it
1000
take to make a stack 1 inch high?

3
9. Tanya has read of a book, which is 390 pages. How many pages are in
4
the entire book?

10. DJ Gabe is going to serve ⅓ of a whole pizza to each guest at his

party. If he expects 24 guests, how many pizza’s will he need?
 To the student:
The fractions chapter is split into two parts. The first part introduces what fractions are and
shows how to multiply and divide them. The second part shows how to add and subtract.
The methods for accomplishing these operations can be confusing if studied all at once.
Before proceeding with this packet, please talk to your instructor about what you should do
next. The Editors.

Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

Finding the LEAST COMMON DENOMINATOR (LCD)
When adding and subtracting fractions, there must be a common denominator
so that the fractions can be added or subtracted. Common denominators are
the same number on the bottom of fractions.
There are several methods for finding the common denominator. The following is one in
which we will find the least common denominator or LCD. Each set of fractions has many
common denominators; we will find the smallest number that one or both fractions will
change to.
1 2
Ex. Suppose we are going to add these fractions:
2 3
Step 1: Start with the largest of the denominators
Ex: 3 is the largest
Step 2: See if the other denominator can divide into the largest without getting a
remainder. If there is no remainder, then you have found the LCD!
Ex. 3 divided by 2 has a remainder of 1
Step 3: If there is a remainder, multiply the largest denominator by the number 2 and
repeat step 2 above. If there is no remainder, then you have found the LCD! If there is a
remainder, keep multiplying the denominator by successive numbers (3, 4, 5, etc.) until there
is no remainder. This process may take several steps but it will eventually get to the LCD.
Ex. 3 x 2 = 6; 2 divides evenly into 6; therefore, 6 is the LCD.
1 1
Ex. 1:
2 4
Step 1: 4 is the largest denominator
Step 2: 4 divided by 2 has no remainder, therefore 4 is the LCD!
 1 1
Ex. 2:
5 6
Step 1: 6 is the largest denominator
Step 2: 6 divided by 5 has a remainder.
Multiply 6 x 2 = 12.
12 divided by 5 has a remainder
6 x 3 = 18.
18 divided by 5 has a remainder
6 x 4 = 24
24 divided by 5 has a remainder
6 x 5 = 30
30 divided by 5 has NO remainder, therefore 30 is the LCD!
Note: You may have noticed that multiplying the denominators together also gets the LCD. This
method will always get a common denominator but it may not get a lowest common denominator.

Exercise 1 (answers on page 41)

Using the previously shown method, write just the LCD for the following sets
of fractions (Do Not Solve)
1 1 2 2 5 1
1) , 2) , 3) ,
2 3 5 3 8 2

1 1 1 2 4 1
4) , 5) , 6) ,
4 3 7 5 9 3

3 1 7 3 3 2
7) , 8) , 9) ,
4 2 8 5 10 3

13 4 1 2 5 3 5 7
10) , 11) , , 12) , ,
15 5 2 3 6 4 8 16

3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1
13) , , 14) , , 15) , ,
8 6 3 7 2 3 8 5 3
 Getting equivalent Fractions and Reducing Fractions

Once we have found the LCD for a set of fractions, the next step is to change
each fraction to one of its equivalents so that we may add or subtract it.
An equivalent fraction has the same value as the original fraction…it looks a
little different!
Here are some examples of equivalent fractions:
1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5
…etc.
2 4 2 6 2 8 2 10

2 4 2 6 2 8 2 10
…etc.
3 6 3 9 3 12 3 15

An equivalent fraction is obtained by multiplying both the numerator and

denominator of the fraction by the same number. This is called BUILDING.
Here are some examples:
5x3 15
5 and 8 were both multiplied by 3
8x3 24

7x2 14
7 and 12 were both multiplied by 2
12x2 24

1x17 17
1 and 3 were both multiplied by 17
3x17 51
Note: the numbers used to multiply look like fraction versions of 1.

An equivalent fraction can also obtained by dividing both the numerator and
denominator of the fraction by the same number. This is called REDUCING.
Here are some more examples:
10 2 5 10 and 12 were both divided by 2
12 2 6

8 4 2 8 and 12 were both divided by 4

12 4 3

200 25 8 200 and 225 were both divided by 25

225 25 9
Exercise 2 (answers on page 41)
Find the number that belongs in the space by building or reducing equivalent
fractions.
1 2 5
1) 2) 3)
2 10 3 15 6 12

3 2 5
4) 5) 6)
4 12 5 20 7 21

3 6 8
7) 8) 9)
6 2 8 4 10 5

12 5 7
10) 11) 12)
24 2 30 6 14 2

2 7 10
13) 14) 15)
7 35 42 6 15 3

1 1 20
16) 17) 18)
8 24 3 24 22 11

21 17 10
19) 20) 21)
42 2 51 3 30 3
Simplifying Improper Fractions
An improper fraction is one in which the numerator is larger than the
denominator. If the answer to an addition, subtraction, multiplication, or
division fraction is improper, simplify it and reduce if possible.
4 is an improper fraction. Divide the denominator into
Ex. 1:
3
numerator.
1
1
3 4 1
3
3
1
10
Ex. 2: is an improper fraction. Divide to simplify. Reduce.
8
1
10 2 1
8 10 1 1
8 8 4
8
2

136
Ex. 3: is an improper fraction. Divide to simplify. Reduce.
20
6
136 16 4
20 136 6 6
20 20 5
120
16
Exercise 3 (answers on page 41)
Simplify the following fractions. Reduce if possible.
6 5 7
1) = 2) = 3) =
5 4 3

10 4 6
4) = 5) = 6) =
6 2 4

15 20 19
7) = 8) = 9) =
3 12 4

23 18 17
10) = 11) = 12) =
5 3 5

37 28 47
13) = 14) = 15) =
9 8 9

106 17 140
16) = 17) = 18) =
4 2 20

162 38 52
19) = 20) = 21) =
10 5 3
Adding and Subtracting of Fractions
When adding or subtracting, there must be a common denominator. If the
denominators are different:
(a) Write the problem vertically (top to bottom)
(b) Find the LCD
(c) Change to equivalent fractions (by building)
(d) Add or subtract the numerators (leave the denominators the same)
(e) Simplify and reduce, if possible

3 1 4
Ex. 1: The denominators are the same. Add the numerators, keep
5 5 5
the denominator. This fraction cannot be simplified or reduced.
1 2
2 4
1
Ex. 2: 1 1 1
?
2 4 4 4
3 The denominators are different numbers.

4 Therefore, change to equivalent

fractions.

5 15 See page 25
8 24
5
Ex. 3: 1 1 8
?
8 3 3 24
7
24

2 8
3 12
2
Ex. 4: 3 3 9
?
3 4 4 12
17 5
1
12 12 Simplifying and reducing
11 11 completes addition and
15 15 subtraction problems.

Ex. 5:
11 1
? 1 5 See page 25 & 27
15 3 3 15
6 2
15 5
 Exercise 4 (answers on page 41)
Add or subtract the following fractions. Simplify and reduce when possible.
2 3 9 1 1 3
1) 2) 3)
7 7 14 14 6 6

3 1 2 1 4 1
4) 5) 6)
5 4 3 2 5 2

2 3 5 3 7 2
7) 8) 9)
4 6 6 8 9 3

3 1 3 1 7 2
10) 11) 12)
4 2 5 3 8 3

5 1 9 1 11 5
13) 14) 15)
12 4 11 2 12 6

1 1 5 1 9 1
16) 17) 18)
2 3 6 4 10 3

8 1 14 1 4 3
19) 20) 21)
20 5 15 6 7 8

6 1 8 2 12 5
22) 23) 24)
12 2 9 3 16 8

3 1 4 6 2 2
25) 26) 27)
7 6 5 10 13 3
Adding and subtracting mixed numbers
A mixed number has a whole number followed by a fraction:
1 5 1 6
1 , 2 , 176 , and 8 are examples of mixed numbers
3 8 2 7
When adding or subtracting mixed numbers, use the procedure from page 7.
Note: Don’t forget to add or subtract the whole numbers.
1 1 1
Ex. 1: 1 2 ? Ex. 2: 6 5 ?
2 3 8
1 3 1
1 1 6
2 6 8
1 2 5
2 2
3 6 1
11
5 8
3
6

1 3 6 1
Ex. 3: 5 ? Ex. 4: 3 1 ?
3 5 9 2
1 5 6 12
5 5 3 3
3 15 9 18
3 9 1 9
1 1
5 15 2 18
14 3 1
5 2 2
15 18 6

When mixed numbers cannot be subtracted because the bottom fraction is

larger than the top fraction, BORROW so that the fractions can be subtracted
from each other. The 2 cannot be
3 1 1
Ex. 5: 8 - 2 Ex. 6: 5
6
? 2 ?
4 6 3 subtracted from the 1 .
6
4 1 1 7
8 7 The 3 cannot be 5 5 4 One was borrowed from
4 4 6 6 6 the 5, changed to 6
3 3 subtracted from nothing.
21 22 22
6
2 2 One was borrowed from the and then added to the
4 4 3 6 6
1 8 and changed to 4 . 8 5
1 to make 7 . The
5 4 2 6 6
4 was changed to a 7.Now the 6 whole number 5 was
mixed numbers can be changed to a 4. Now the
subtracted from each other. mixed numbers can be
subtracted.
Exercise 5 (answers on page 41)
Add or subtract the following mixed numbers. Simplify and reduce when possible.
4 1 2 3 5 11
1) 8 8 = 2) 1 = 3) 16 =
5 10 3 7 8 12

4 2 11 11 2 1
4) 3 6 5 = 5) 1 = 6) 4 1=
5 3 15 12 3 8

1 1 1 1 2 1
7) 5 2 = 8) 14 2 = 9) 7 1 =
6 3 2 8 5 5

2 1 1 2 4 6
10) 2 = 11) 12 8 = 12) 4 3 =
3 4 7 3 7 7

5 1 1 1
13) 16 2 = 14) 14 2 = 15) 146 8 =
6 3 9 5

5 10 7 3
16) 5 = 17) 6 4 = 18) 11 5=
6 12 8 5

2 4 2 3
19) 7= 20) 2 1 = 21) 100 4 =
3 8 3 8
Fraction Word Problems (Addition/Subtraction)
When solving word problems, make sure to UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION.
Look for bits of information that will help get to the answer. Keep in mind that
some sentences may not have key words or key words might even be misleading.
USE COMMON SENSE when thinking about how to solve word problems. The
first thing you think of might be the best way to solve the problem.

Here are some KEY WORDS to look for in word problems:

Sum, total, more than: mean to add
Difference, less than, how much more than: mean to subtract

Ex. 1: If brand X can of beans weighs 15 1 ounces and brand Y weighs

2
12 3 ounces, how much larger is the brand X can?
4

1 2 6 means to subtract
15 15 14
2 4 4
3 3 3
12 12 12 Borrow from the
4 4 4 whole number and
3 add to the fraction
2
4
1
Ex. 2: Find the total snowfall for this year if it snowed inch in
10
1 3
November, 2 inches in December and 1 inches in January.
3 4
means to add
1 6
10 60
1 20
2 2
3 60 Simplify.
3 45
1 1
4 60
71 11
3 4
60 60
 Exercise 6 (answers on page 41)
Solve the following add/subtract fraction word problems
3 7
1. Find the total width of 3 boards that 1 inches wide, inch
4 8
1
wide, and 1 inches wide.
2

5 3
2. A 7.15H tire is 6 inches wide and a 7.15C tire is 4 inches
8 4
wide. What is the difference in their widths?

1
3. A patient is given 1 teaspoons of medicine in the morning and
2
1
2 teaspoons at night. How many teaspoons total does the
4
patient receive daily?

1 1
4. 3 feet are cut off a board that is 12 feet long. How long is
3 4
the remaining part of the board?

3 1
5. of the corn in the U.S. is grown in Iowa. of it is grown in
8 4
Nebraska. How much of the corn supply is grown in the two
states?
 1 1 2
6. A runner jogs 7 miles east, 5 miles south, and 8 miles west.
5 4 3
How far has she jogged?

1 1
7. If 3 ounce of cough syrup is used from a 9 ounce bottle, how
2 4
much is left?

1
8. I set a goal to drink 64 ounces of water a day. If I drink 10
3
1 5
ounces in the morning, 15 ounces at noon, and 20 ounces at
2 6
dinner, how many more ounces of water do I have to drink to
reach my goal for the day?

9. Three sides of parking lot are measured to the following lengths:

1 3 1
108 feet, 162 feet, and 143 feet. If the distance around the
4 8 2
15
lot is 518 feet, find the fourth side.
16

10. Gabriel wants to make five banners for the parade. He has 75
1
feet of material. The size of four of the banners are: 12 ft.,
3
1 3 1
16 ft., 11 ft., and 14 ft. How much material is left for the
6 4 2
fifth banner?
Answer to Intro to Fractions
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5
2 11 3 7
1.
5
1.
16
1.
4
1.
9
1. >
1 9 4 4
2. 2.
20
2. 2. 2. >
4 5 5
11 14 7 1
3.
12
3.
25
3.
9
3.
2
3. <
3 26 4 2
4.
5
4.
36
4.
5
4.
25
4. =
20 1 4
5.
50
5.
2
5.
5
5. <
11 2 3
6. 6. 6.
25 3 4
7 8
7. 7.
12 9
8 7
8. 8.
24 9
3
9.
4
12
Exercise 6 Exercise 7 Exercise 8 10.
17
47 3 1 1
1. 1. 3 1. 6 11.
8 8 2 3
29 3 2 2
2. 2. 2 2. 6 12.
3 5 3 3
5 5 1
3. 3. 11 3. 5 Exercise 9
2 8 2
9 3 3 1) 2 6) 2
4. 4. 9 4. 2
8 7 4
27 1 1 2) 1
5. 5. 12 5. 3
2 2 3
31 3) 1
6.
4
62 4) 1
7.
5
86 5) 1
8.
9
Answer to Multiplication and Division of Fractions
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5
1.
1
1. 2
5
1.
4
1. 2
4 1. 12 boards
12 8 5 9
2.
2
2. 12
3
2. 1
4
2. 3
1 2. 26 revolutions
5 5 5 9
6 1 3. 16 1
3. 3. 8 3 3. 2 3. 41 turns
11 8 19 4
4.
2
4. 1
1
4. 2
4
4.
9 4. 15 books
3 16 7 28
5.
1
5. 2
27
5. 2
2
5. 13
3 5. 36 yards
15 32 5 5
5
15 6.
1
6.
2 6. 10 6. 27 pounds
6. 5 8
28 3 3
35 5 1 4 1
7. 7. 9 7. 3 7. 4 7. 2 pounds
72 8 2 11 4
8. 2 8. 14 8. 1
1
8. 1
13 8. 250 sheets
5 14
9. 5 9. 60 9.
2
9. 1
15 9. 520 pages
3 32
10. 5 10. 3
25
10. 1
1 10. 1 10. 8 pizzas
54 2
11. 4 11. 60 11.
7 11. 1
2
9 3
2 64 21
12.
3 12. 10 12. 12. 1
4 3 81 79
21 1
13. 13. 5
26 3

14.
2 14. 12
9
3 3
15. 15.
8 16
46
16.
51
5
17.
24
9
18.
20
Answers to Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Exercise 6
1) 6 1) 5 1) 1 1 1) 5 1) 16 9 1) 4 1 inches
5 7 10 8
2) 15 2) 10 2) 1 1 2) 5 2) 2 2 2) 1 7 inches
4 7 21 8
3) 8 3) 10 3) 2 1 3) 2 3) 17 13 3) 33 teaspoons
3 3 24 4
4) 12 4) 9 4) 1 2 4) 17 4) 16 1 4) 8 11 feet
3 20 5 12
5) 35 5) 8 5) 2 1 1 5
5) 1 5) 1 5)
6 4 8
6) 9 6) 15 1 3 1 7
6) 1 6) 1 6) 3 6) 21 miles
2 10 8 60
7) 4 7) 1 7) 5 7) 1 5 3
7) 2 7) 5 ounces
6 4
8) 40 8) 3 2 5 3 1
8) 1 8) 1 8) 12 8) 17 ounces
3 24 8 3
9) 30 9) 4 3 4 3 13
9) 4 9) 1 9) 8 9) 104 feet
4 9 5 16
10) 15 10) 1 10) 4 3 10) 1 10) 2 5 10) 20 1 ft.
5 4 12 4
11) 6 11) 1 11) 6 11) 4 11) 3 10
15 21
12) 16 12) 1 12) 3 2 12) 5 12) 5
5 24 7
13) 24 13) 10 13) 4 1 13) 1 13) 14 1
9 6 2
14) 42 14) 1 14) 3 1 14) 7 14) 11 8
2 22 9
15) 120 15) 2 15) 5 2 15) 1 15) 154 1
9 12 5
16) 3 16) 26 1 16) 1 16) 6 2
2 6 3
17) 8 17) 8 1 17) 7 17) 1 1
2 12 8
18) 10 18) 7 18) 17 18) 6 3
30 5
19) 1 19) 16 1 19) 3 19) 7 2
5 5 3
20) 1 20) 7 3 20) 23 20) 4 1
5 30 6
21) 1 21) 17 1 21) 11 21) 95 5
3 56 8
22) 1
23) 2
9
24) 13
8
25) 11
42
26) 1
5
27) 32
39
Answer to Ordering Fractions
Exercise A Exercise B
3 2 3 3
1. , , 1. , 8, 13
7 3 4 4 11 22
3 1 3 7 35 5
2. , , 2. , ,
28 7 14 8 64 16