Fractions can come in many forms and still represent the same amount. Fractions that have different numerators and denominators but possess the same value are called "equivalent" fractions. When a fraction's numerator is greater than its denominator, the fraction is said to be improper and retains a value greater than one. By working with improper fractions, you can find a fraction that is equivalent to a whole number, which can then ease the process of subsequent fractional operations.
The denominator can be any integer — as long as when it is divided into the numerator, it produces the original whole number.
Select a number for the fraction's denominator. For this example, let the denominator be 4.
Multiply the denominator to the whole number. For this example, let the whole number be 5 — multiplying 4 by 5 yields 20.
Write the product of the prior step as the numerator over the selected denominator of the first step to create the equivalent fraction. Concluding this example, 20/4 is an equivalent fraction of 5.
Tips
References
Tips
- The denominator can be any integer — as long as when it is divided into the numerator, it produces the original whole number.
About the Author
Chance E. Gartneer began writing professionally in 2008 working in conjunction with FEMA. He has the unofficial record for the most undergraduate hours at the University of Texas at Austin. When not working on his children's book masterpiece, he writes educational pieces focusing on early mathematics and ESL topics.
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