CHAPTER 2

Review of Fractions

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. 1

2-1 Learning Outcomes

 Identify types of fractions.

 Convert an improper fraction to a whole or mixed
number.
 Convert a whole or mixed number to an improper
fraction.
 Reduce a fraction to lowest terms.
 Raise a fraction to higher terms.

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2-1-1 Identify types of fractions
Section 2-1 Fractions

 A fraction is used to identify parts of a whole.

– It describes the relationship between the part
and the whole.
 There are four parts.
1
– One is shaded white, or 1 in 4 which is .
4

1
4

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 Key Terms…
Section 2-1 Fractions

 Denominator
– The number appearing below the fraction line.
 Numerator
– The number appearing above the fraction line.
 Fraction line
– Horizontal line separating numerator and denominator.
 Proper fraction
– A fraction with a value less than “1” (ex., )
2
3

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HOW TO: Look at the fraction
Section 2-1 Fractions

2 2 is the numerator.

3 3 is the denominator.

Is it a proper fraction?
Yes, because the value of the fraction is less than “1”.

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HOW TO: Identify the fraction
Section 2-1 Fractions

What part of the area is shaded blue?

3
4

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HOW TO: Identify the fraction
Section 2-1 Fractions

What part of the area is shaded blue?

3
7

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HOW TO: Improper fraction
Section 2-1 Fractions

 The numerator is greater than or equal to the

denominator.
– Therefore the fraction is greater than or equal to “1”.

Proper or improper?

10 6 9
4 7 8
Improper Proper Improper

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 Convert an improper fraction
2-1-2 to a whole or mixed number
Section 2-1 Fractions

 Divide the numerator of the improper fraction

by the denominator.
– If the remainder is zero, the quotient is a whole number.
– If the remainder is not zero, the improper fraction
will be expressed as a mixed number.

Examples
120 119 2 135 3
= 12 = 39 = 33
10 3 3 4 4

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 Convert a whole or mixed
2-1-3 number to an improper fraction
Section 2-1 Fractions

 Multiply the denominator of the mixed number

by the whole number part.
 Add the product from the previous step to
the numerator of the mixed number.
– This is the numerator of the improper fraction.
 Use the denominator of the mixed number as
the denominator of the improper fraction.

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 An Example…
Section 2-1 Fractions

3
Convert 10 4 to an improper fraction.

The numerator of the fraction is 3.

Multiply the whole number—which is 10—by
the denominator—which is 4. The result is 40.
Add the numerator to the product: 40 + 3 = 43.
Retain the same denominator.

43
The improper fraction equivalent is
4

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2-1-4 Reduce a fraction to lowest terms
Section 2-1 Fractions

 Inspect the numerator and denominator to find

any whole number by which both can be
evenly divided.
– Carry out the operation until there is no one
number that both can be evenly divided by.

Check if the denominator can

TIP: be divided by the numerator:
Example:
3 1
can be reduced to 5
when 3 is divided into 15.
15

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 Reduce these examples to the lowest terms…
Section 2-1 Fractions

Check if the denominator can

TIP: be divided by the numerator:

24 3 27 3 21 1
= = =
40 5 63 7 147 7

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 Find the greatest common
HOW TO: divisor of two numbers
Section 2-1 Fractions

 The most direct way to reduce a fraction to

lowest terms is to use the GCD.
– The GCD is the largest number by which the
denominator and numerator can be evenly divided.

The GCD of 15 and 20 is 5. Any

Example: number greater than 5 would result
in a quotient with a remainder

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HOW TO: Find the GCD
Section 2-1 Fractions

Find the GCD of 42 and 28.

Divide the larger number by the smaller number:
42 divided by 28 = 1 R 14
Divide the divisor (28) by the remainder of the
previous operation: (14) 28 14 = 2 R 0.
When the R = 0, the divisor from that operation
(14, in this case) is the GCD.

More 30, 36 30, 125 17, 51

Examples: GCD = 6 GCD = 5 GCD = 17

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2-1-5 Raise a fraction to higher terms
Section 2-1 Fractions

3 ?
is equal to 8/4=2
4 8
Divide the two denominators.
“4” goes into “8” two (2) times.
Multiply “3” by “2” to get the equivalent numerator.
Multiply “4” by “2” to get the equivalent denominator.

3 2 6
=
4 2 8
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 Examples…
Section 2-1 Fractions

Determine the equivalent fraction in higher terms:

4 ? 20 7 ? 35
= =
5 25 25 8 40 40

3 ? 36
=
5 60 60

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2-2 Learning Outcomes

 Add fractions with like (common) denominators.

 Find the least common denominator for two or
more fractions.
 Add fractions and mixed numbers.
 Subtract fractions and mixed numbers..

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 Add Fractions with like
2-2-1 (common) denominators
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

 Add the numerators.

 The denominator remains the same.
 If necessary, convert an improper fraction
to a mixed number.

1 3 1 5 1
+ + = or 1
4 4 4 4 4

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 Find the least common denominator
2-2-2 for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

 Adding fractions with different denominators.

– First find the least common denominator (LCD).
 The LCD is the smallest number that can be
divided evenly by each original denominator.

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 Find the least common denominator
for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

 The common denominator can sometimes

be found by inspection.
– Mentally selecting a number that can be evenly
divided by each denominator.

3 5
Find the LCD for: and
4 8
3
Convert to an equivalent fraction in eighths,
4
Then add the two fractions together.

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 Find the least common denominator
for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

 It is not as apparent which number might be

the LCD, given different denominators.
– Such as 12 and 30.

You can use prime numbers to find the LCD.

TIP: A prime number is a number greater than 1
that can be divided evenly by only itself and 1.
The first ten prime numbers are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, and 29.

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 Find the least common denominator
HOW TO: for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

STEP 1
Write the denominators
in a row.

STEP 2
Divide each one by the
smallest prime number
by which any of the
numbers can be
evenly divided. MORE

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 Find the least common denominator
HOW TO: for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

STEP 3
Write a new row of
numbers using:
1. The quotients from step 1.
2. Any numbers in the first
row that cannot be evenly
divided by the first prime
number.
MORE

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 Find the least common denominator
HOW TO: for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

STEP 4
Divide again by the
smallest prime number
by which any of the
numbers can be
evenly divided.
STEP 5
Continue this process
until you have a row of 1s. MORE

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 Find the least common denominator
HOW TO: for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

STEP 6
Multiply all the prime
numbers used to divide
the denominators.
The product is the least
common denominator.

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 Find the least common denominator
HOW TO: for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Add the fractions: Denominators

4 1 1
, ,
5 2 8 5 2 8
First, find the LCD
2 5 1 4
Multiply the prime

Prime numbers
numbers from the first
2 5 1 2
column (2 x 2 x 2 x 5)
to get the LCD.
2 5 1 1
The LCD is 40
MORE
5 1 1 1

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 Find the least common denominator
HOW TO: for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Add the fractions: Denominators

4 1 1
, ,
5 2 8 5 2 8
4 32
The LCD is 40 becomes
5 40
2 5 1 4
1 20

Prime numbers
Convert the fractions becomes
to the equivalent using 2 2 5 1 40 2
40 as the denominator.
2 1 5 1 5 1
becomes
8 40
The LCD is 40
MORE
5 1 1 1

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 Find the least common denominator
HOW TO: for two or more fractions
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Add the fractions:

4 1 1 17 57
, , = 1 + + = 40
5 2 8 40
32
40
If the numerator is greater
than the denominator, it is 20
an improper fraction and
17 40
can be expressed as a
mixed number. 1 5
Inspect the fraction to 40 40
determine if it is expressed
in lowest terms.
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2-2-3 Adding fractions and mixed numbers
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

 Add the whole-number parts.

 Add the fraction parts and reduce to lowest terms.
 Change improper fractions to whole or mixed
numbers.
 Add the whole-number parts.

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2-2-4 Subtracting mixed numbers
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

STEP 1
1 1
10 – 7 = Convert the fraction portion of each
8 2 mixed number to equivalent fractions.
STEP 2
1 4 Borrow “1” from the whole number
10 – 7 =
-1 8 8 to carry out the operation.

9 4 5 Reduce to lowest terms, if

9 – 7 = 2
8 8 8 necessary.

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HOW TO: Subtracting fractions with like denominators
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Subtract the smaller numerator from the

greater one—the denominator remains the same.

5 3 2 1
– = =
8 8 8 4

Reduce to lowest terms, if necessary.

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 Subtracting fractions with
HOW TO: different denominators
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

 As in addition, to subtract fractions you must

have a common denominator.
– Use the same methods of inspection or prime
numbers to determine the LCD.
 Carry out the operation.
– Reduce to lowest terms as needed.

5 1
– =?
12 3 MORE

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 Subtracting fractions with
HOW TO: different denominators
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

Find the LCD, which is 12.

1 1 4
Change to an equivalent fraction. =
3 3 12
Carry out the operation and
reduce to lowest terms, if
needed. 5 51 4 1
– =? – =
12 3 12 12 12

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 Examples…
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

7 2 5
– =
8 3 24
2 1 7
– =
3 5 15
4 1 19
– =
5 6 30

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 Examples…
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

1 1
Maria has 6 cups of flour, but only needs 4 cups for
her recipe. 8 4
7
How much will she have left? 1
8

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 Examples…
Section 2-2 Adding and Subtracting Fractions

2
Julia needs 3 yards of tape to finish a display.
3
7
Bob brought her a 5 yard piece from the supply room.
8
5
How much will be left? 2
24

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2-3 Learning Outcomes

 Multiply fractions and mixed numbers.

 Divide fractions and mixed numbers.

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2-3-1 Multiply fractions and mixed numbers
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

 To multiply two fractions:

– Find the numerator of the product by multiplying the
numerators of the fractions.
– Find the denominator of the product by multiplying
the denominators of the fractions.
– Reduce to lowest terms, if needed.

Can this fraction be

1 7 1x7= 7
x reduced further?
3 8 3 x 8 = 24 NO!
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 Multiply fractions and mixed numbers
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

To keep things simple, if possible,

TIP: reduce before multiplying.

1 3
x =?
3 4
The 3 in the denominator in the first fraction
and the 3 in the numerator in the second
fraction cancel each other out and become 1.

1 1
x
1 4
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HOW TO: Multiply mixed numbers and whole numbers
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

 Write the mixed numbers and whole numbers

as improper fractions.
 Reduce numerators and denominators as
appropriate.
 Multiply the fractions.
 Reduce to lowest terms and/or write as a whole
number or mixed number.

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 An Example…
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

2 3 5 15 5 15 3
1 x3 =? = = x
3 4 3 4 31 4

The “3” can be reduced to “1” and

the “15” to “5” before multiplying.

25
=
4
25 1
Product: Convert to a mixed number: 6
4 4

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 Products and factors
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Are products always larger than their factors?

No. When the multiplier is a proper fraction,

3
the product is less than the original number. 5x =3
5

This is also true when the multiplicand is a 1 1 1

2 x =1
whole number, fraction or mixed number. 2 2 4

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2-3-2 Divide fractions and mixed numbers
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

 The relationship between multiplying and dividing

fractions involves a concept called reciprocals.
– Two numbers are reciprocals if their product equals 1.

1
2 is the reciprocal of
2
1
What is the reciprocal of ?
3
The reciprocal is 3

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HOW TO: Divide fractions or mixed numbers
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

 Write the numbers as fractions.

 Find the reciprocal of the divisor.
 Multiply the dividend by the reciprocal of the
divisor.
 Reduce to lowest terms, and/or write as a whole
or mixed number.

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HOW TO: Divide fractions or mixed numbers
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

1 2
3 ÷ =?
4 3
1 13
Convert 3 to an improper fraction:
4 4
2 3
Change to its reciprocal, which is:
3 2

Change from division to multiplication.

13 3 39 39 7
x = x = 4
4 2 8 8 8
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 Example…
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Madison Duke makes appliqués. A customer has ordered

five appliqués.
3 1
Madison has yard of fabric, and each appliqué uses
of a yard. 4 6
Does she need more fabric?

3 1 3 Simplify by dividing 3
4 ÷ 6
becomes
4
x6 4 and 6 by 2 2
x3

7 She can only make 4 appliqués,

The answer is 4
8 and she needs more fabric.

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 Example…
Section 2-3 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

A home goods store is stacking

decorative boxes on shelves.
2
Each box is 4 inches tall.
3
The shelf space is 45 inches.

How many boxes will fit on each shelf?

Six
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Exercises Set A

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 EXERCISES SET A

2. Give five examples of fractions whose value is

greater than or equal to 1.
4 8 12 132 7
Examples: , , , ,
4 5 4 89 1
What are these fractions called?
improper fractions

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 EXERCISES SET A

Write the improper fraction as a whole or mixed

number.

4. 84 7
12

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 EXERCISES SET A

Write the mixed number as an improper fraction.

5 (6 5)  5 35
6. 5  
6 6 6

1 (3 33)  1 100
8. 33  
3 3 3

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 EXERCISES SET A

Reduce to lowest terms. Try to use the greatest

common divisor. (GCD)
20 20 10 2
10.  
30 30 10 3

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 EXERCISES SET A

Reduce to lowest terms. Try to use the greatest

common divisor. (GCD)
20 20 10 2
10.  
30 30 10 3

Rewrite as a fraction with the indicated denominator.

12. 5 9 14.
 
6 12 11 143
5 2 10 9 13 117
 
6 2 12 1113 143
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 EXERCISES SET A

Find the least common denominator (LCD) for these

fractions.
1 1 11 2 4 12 16
16. , ,
4 12 16 22 6 8
21 3 4
21 3 2
31 3 1
1 1 1
2 2 2 2 3 48
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 EXERCISES SET A

Find the least common denominator (LCD) for these

fractions.
2 1 1 5 2 1 5 10 6
18. , , ,
1 5 10 6 31 5 5 3
51 5 5 1
1 1 1 1
2 3 5 30

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 EXERCISES SET A

Add. Reduce to lowest terms and write as whole or

mixed numbers if appropriate.
2 2
20. 
5 3
2 2
  6  10 16 1 1
5 3 15 15 15 15
5 2
22. 11  8
6 3
5 2
11  8 11 5  8 4 19 9 20 3 20 1
6 3 6 6 6 6 2
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 EXERCISES SET A

Subtract. Borrow when necessary. Reduce the

difference to lowest terms (simplify).
5 1 2
24.  3
526.
12 4 5
5 3 2 1 5
   5 4
12 12 12 6 5
2 2
3  3
5 5
3
1
5

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 EXERCISES SET A

Multiply. Reduce to lowest terms and write as whole or

mixed numbers if appropriate.
2
30. 5 
3
5 2 10 1
  3
1 3 3 3

Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. 59

 EXERCISES SET A

Find the reciprocal of the numbers.

5 8
32.
8 5

1
34. 3
4
1 13 4
3 
4 4 13

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 EXERCISES SET A

Divide. Reduce to lowest terms and write as whole or

mixed numbers if appropriate.
1
36. 7 2
2
15 2
 
2 1
15 1 15 3
   3
2 2 4 4

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 EXERCISES SET A

38. A board 244 inches long is cut into pieces that are
each 7 5/8 inches long. How many pieces can be
cut?
5
244 7
8
244 61
 
1 8
244 8 4
244 8
   1 32 pieces
1 61 1 61

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 EXERCISES SET A

40. Certain financial aid students must pass 2/3 of

their courses each term in order to continue their
aid. If a student is taking 18 hours, how many
hours must be passed?

2 18
 12 hours
3 1

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Practice Test A

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 EXERCISES SET A

Write the reciprocal.

3 5
2.
5 3
Reduce.
12 12 3 4
4. 
15 15 3 5
Write as an improper fraction.
1 (12 3)  1 36  1 37
8. 3  
12 12 12 12
Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. 65
 EXERCISES SET A

Write as a mixed number or whole number.

56
10.
13

Perform the indicated operation. Reduce results to

lowest terms and write as whole or mixed numbers if
appropriate.
12. 5 9 25 36 61
    21
1
8 10 40 40 40 40
Copyright © 2014, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. 66
 EXERCISES SET A

Perform the indicated operation. Reduce results to

lowest terms and write as whole or mixed numbers if
appropriate.
14. 5 3 5 4 10 1
    1
6 4 6 3 9 9
6 56 230
16. 56 32   1,840
7 1 7

4 5 4 1
18. 137  89 136  89 47
5 5 5 5

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 EXERCISES SET A

20. A company that employs 580 people expects to

lay off 87 workers. What fractional part of the
workers are expected to be laid off?
87 3

580 20

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 EXERCISES SET A

22. If city sales tax is 5 ½% and state sales tax is

2 ¼%, what is the total sales tax rate for
purchases made in the city?
1 1
5 %2 %
2 4
2 1 3
5 %  2 % 7 %
4 4 4

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 EXERCISES SET A

24. The top-rated television series Cupcake Wars

requires the two finalists to use their cupcake
recipes to create a display for a large event.
Lindsey Morton’s Cinnamon Sugar Graham
cupcake recipe for 36 cupcakes requires 1 ¼ cup
of sugar. How much sugar is required for 900
cupcakes for her display?
1 900 5 900  5  900 1125
225

1   
4 36 4 36 4 36 36
9 1
31 31 cups
36 4
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