Solutions: Introduction to Fractions

Introduction to Fractions

A fraction is the number of shaded parts, divided by the number of equal parts. There are 3 shaded parts and 5 equal parts in this rectangle, so the answer is three-fifths.

There are 5 shaded parts and 8 equal parts in this circle, so the answer is five-eighths.

Classifying Fractions

A proper fraction is a fraction in which the numerator is less than the denominator. The digit 2 is less than the digit 7. Therefore, the answer is two-sevenths.

An improper fraction is a fraction in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. The digit 8 is greater than the digit 5. Therefore, the answer is eight-fifths.

Equivalent Fractions

Simplifying Fractions

Comparing Fractions

Ordering Fractions

Converting Fractions to Mixed Numbers

Note: To write the mixed number four and two-thirds, enter 4, a space, and then 2/3 into the form.

$frac-to-mixed_ex1.gif$

$explain_fractions_mixed_ex1.gif$

$frac-to-mixed_ex2.gif$

$explain_fractions_mixed_ex2.gif$

$frac-to-mixed_ex3.gif$

$explain_fractions_mixed_ex3.gif$

$frac-to-mixed_ex4.gif$

$explain_fractions_mixed_ex4.gif$

$frac-to-mixed_ex5.gif$

$explain_fractions_mixed_ex5.gif$

Converting Mixed Numbers to Fractions

$mix-to-frac_ex1.gif$

$explain_mixed_fractions_ex1.gif$

$mix-to-frac_ex2.gif$

$explain_mixed_fractions_ex2.gif$

$mix-to-frac_ex3.gif$

$explain_mixed_fractions_ex3.gif$

$mix-to-frac_ex4.gif$

$explain_mixed_fractions_ex4.gif$

$mix-to-frac_ex5.gif$

$explain_mixed_fractions_ex5.gif$

Practice Exercises

The digit 3 is less than the digit 8. Therefore, the answer is three-eighths.

The digit 5 is greater than the digit 2. Therefore, the answer is five-halves.

Use the problem below for Exercises 7 and 8.

It takes Hope four-fifths of an hour to complete her social studies homework, three-fourths of an hour to complete her math homework, and five-sixths of an hour to complete her spelling homework. Order the time spent on Hope’s homework by subject from least to greatest.