Examples with fractions. Adding fractions with whole numbers and different denominators

Lesson content

Adding fractions with like denominators

There are two types of addition of fractions:

Adding fractions with like denominators
Adding fractions with different denominators

First, let's learn the addition of fractions with like denominators. Everything is simple here. To add fractions with the same denominators, you need to add their numerators and leave the denominator unchanged. For example, let's add the fractions and . Add the numerators and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we remember the pizza, which is divided into four parts. If you add pizza to pizza, you get pizza:

Example 2. Add fractions and .

The answer was not proper fraction. When the end of the task comes, it is customary to get rid of improper fractions. To get rid of an improper fraction, you need to select the whole part of it. In our case whole part stands out easily - two divided by two equals one:

This example can be easily understood if we remember about a pizza that is divided into two parts. If you add more pizza to the pizza, you get one whole pizza:

Example 3. Add fractions and .

Again, we add up the numerators and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we remember the pizza, which is divided into three parts. If you add more pizza to the pizza, you get pizza:

Example 4. Find the value of an expression

This example is solved in exactly the same way as the previous ones. The numerators must be added and the denominator left unchanged:

Let's try to depict our solution using a drawing. If you add pizzas to a pizza and add more pizzas, you get 1 whole pizza and more pizzas.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated about adding fractions with the same denominators. It is enough to understand the following rules:

To add fractions with the same denominator, you need to add their numerators and leave the denominator unchanged;

Adding fractions with different denominators

Now let's learn how to add fractions with different denominators. When adding fractions, the denominators of the fractions must be the same. But they are not always the same.

For example, fractions can be added because they have the same denominators.

But fractions cannot be added right away, since these fractions have different denominators. In such cases, fractions must be reduced to the same (common) denominator.

There are several ways to reduce fractions to the same denominator. Today we will look at only one of them, since the other methods may seem complicated for a beginner.

The essence of this method is that first the LCM of the denominators of both fractions is searched. The LCM is then divided by the denominator of the first fraction to obtain the first additional factor. They do the same with the second fraction - the LCM is divided by the denominator of the second fraction and a second additional factor is obtained.

The numerators and denominators of the fractions are then multiplied by their additional factors. As a result of these actions, fractions that had different denominators turn into fractions that have the same denominators. And we already know how to add such fractions.

Example 1. Let's add the fractions and

First of all, we find the least common multiple of the denominators of both fractions. The denominator of the first fraction is the number 3, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 2. The least common multiple of these numbers is 6

LCM (2 and 3) = 6

Now let's return to fractions and . First, divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction and get the first additional factor. LCM is the number 6, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 3. Divide 6 by 3, we get 2.

The resulting number 2 is the first additional multiplier. We write it down to the first fraction. To do this, make a small oblique line over the fraction and write down the additional factor found above it:

We do the same with the second fraction. We divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction and get the second additional factor. LCM is the number 6, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 2. Divide 6 by 2, we get 3.

The resulting number 3 is the second additional multiplier. We write it down to the second fraction. Again, we make a small oblique line over the second fraction and write down the additional factor found above it:

Now we have everything ready for addition. It remains to multiply the numerators and denominators of the fractions by their additional factors:

Look carefully at what we have come to. We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same denominators. And we already know how to add such fractions. Let's take this example to the end:

This completes the example. It turns out to add .

Let's try to depict our solution using a drawing. If you add pizza to a pizza, you get one whole pizza and another sixth of a pizza:

Reducing fractions to the same (common) denominator can also be depicted using a picture. Reducing the fractions and to a common denominator, we got the fractions and . These two fractions will be represented by the same pieces of pizza. The only difference will be that this time they will be divided into equal shares (reduced to the same denominator).

The first drawing represents a fraction (four pieces out of six), and the second drawing represents a fraction (three pieces out of six). Adding these pieces we get (seven pieces out of six). This fraction is improper, so we highlighted the whole part of it. As a result, we got (one whole pizza and another sixth pizza).

Please note that we have described this example in too much detail. IN educational institutions It’s not customary to write in such detail. You need to be able to quickly find the LCM of both denominators and additional factors to them, as well as quickly multiply the found additional factors by your numerators and denominators. If we were at school, we would have to write this example as follows:

But there is also back side medals. If you do not take detailed notes in the first stages of studying mathematics, then questions of the sort begin to appear. “Where does that number come from?”, “Why do fractions suddenly turn into completely different fractions? «.

To make it easier to add fractions with different denominators, you can use the following step-by-step instructions:

Find the LCM of the denominators of fractions;
Divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction and obtain an additional factor for each fraction;
Multiply the numerators and denominators of fractions by their additional factors;
Add fractions that have the same denominators;
If the answer turns out to be an improper fraction, then select its whole part;

Example 2. Find the value of an expression .

Let's use the instructions given above.

Step 1. Find the LCM of the denominators of the fractions

Find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. The denominators of fractions are the numbers 2, 3 and 4

Step 2. Divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction and get an additional factor for each fraction

Divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 2. Divide 12 by 2, we get 6. We got the first additional factor 6. We write it above the first fraction:

Now we divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 3. Divide 12 by 3, we get 4. We get the second additional factor 4. We write it above the second fraction:

Now we divide the LCM by the denominator of the third fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the third fraction is the number 4. Divide 12 by 4, we get 3. We get the third additional factor 3. We write it above the third fraction:

Step 3. Multiply the numerators and denominators of the fractions by their additional factors

We multiply the numerators and denominators by their additional factors:

Step 4. Add fractions with the same denominators

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same (common) denominators. All that remains is to add these fractions. Add it up:

The addition didn't fit on one line, so we moved the remaining expression to the next line. This is allowed in mathematics. When an expression does not fit on one line, it is moved to the next line, and it is necessary to put an equal sign (=) at the end of the first line and at the beginning of the new line. The equal sign on the second line indicates that this is a continuation of the expression that was on the first line.

Step 5. If the answer turns out to be an improper fraction, then select the whole part of it

Our answer turned out to be an improper fraction. We have to highlight a whole part of it. We highlight:

We received an answer

Subtracting fractions with like denominators

There are two types of subtraction of fractions:

Subtracting fractions with like denominators
Subtracting fractions with different denominators

First, let's learn how to subtract fractions with like denominators. Everything is simple here. To subtract another from one fraction, you need to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, but leave the denominator the same.

For example, let's find the value of the expression . To solve this example, you need to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged. Let's do this:

This example can be easily understood if we remember the pizza, which is divided into four parts. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 2. Find the value of the expression.

Again, from the numerator of the first fraction, subtract the numerator of the second fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we remember the pizza, which is divided into three parts. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 3. Find the value of an expression

This example is solved in exactly the same way as the previous ones. From the numerator of the first fraction you need to subtract the numerators of the remaining fractions:

As you can see, there is nothing complicated about subtracting fractions with the same denominators. It is enough to understand the following rules:

To subtract another from one fraction, you need to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged;
If the answer turns out to be an improper fraction, then you need to highlight the whole part of it.

Subtracting fractions with different denominators

For example, you can subtract a fraction from a fraction because the fractions have the same denominators. But you cannot subtract a fraction from a fraction, since these fractions have different denominators. In such cases, fractions must be reduced to the same (common) denominator.

The common denominator is found using the same principle that we used when adding fractions with different denominators. First of all, find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. Then the LCM is divided by the denominator of the first fraction and the first additional factor is obtained, which is written above the first fraction. Similarly, the LCM is divided by the denominator of the second fraction and a second additional factor is obtained, which is written above the second fraction.

The fractions are then multiplied by their additional factors. As a result of these operations, fractions that had different denominators are converted into fractions that have the same denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions.

Example 1. Find the meaning of the expression:

These fractions have different denominators, so you need to reduce them to the same (common) denominator.

First we find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. The denominator of the first fraction is the number 3, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 4. The least common multiple of these numbers is 12

LCM (3 and 4) = 12

Now let's return to fractions and

Let's find an additional factor for the first fraction. To do this, divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 3. Divide 12 by 3, we get 4. Write a four above the first fraction:

We do the same with the second fraction. Divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 4. Divide 12 by 4, we get 3. Write a three over the second fraction:

Now we are ready for subtraction. It remains to multiply the fractions by their additional factors:

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions. Let's take this example to the end:

We received an answer

Let's try to depict our solution using a drawing. If you cut pizza from a pizza, you get pizza

This is the detailed version of the solution. If we were at school, we would have to solve this example shorter. Such a solution would look like this:

Reducing fractions to a common denominator can also be depicted using a picture. Reducing these fractions to a common denominator, we got the fractions and . These fractions will be represented by the same pizza slices, but this time they will be divided into equal shares (reduced to the same denominator):

The first picture shows a fraction (eight pieces out of twelve), and the second picture shows a fraction (three pieces out of twelve). By cutting three pieces from eight pieces, we get five pieces out of twelve. The fraction describes these five pieces.

Example 2. Find the value of an expression

These fractions have different denominators, so first you need to reduce them to the same (common) denominator.

Let's find the LCM of the denominators of these fractions.

The denominators of the fractions are the numbers 10, 3 and 5. The least common multiple of these numbers is 30

LCM(10, 3, 5) = 30

Now we find additional factors for each fraction. To do this, divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction.

Let's find an additional factor for the first fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 10. Divide 30 by 10, we get the first additional factor 3. We write it above the first fraction:

Now we find an additional factor for the second fraction. Divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 3. Divide 30 by 3, we get the second additional factor 10. We write it above the second fraction:

Now we find an additional factor for the third fraction. Divide the LCM by the denominator of the third fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the third fraction is the number 5. Divide 30 by 5, we get the third additional factor 6. We write it above the third fraction:

Now everything is ready for subtraction. It remains to multiply the fractions by their additional factors:

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same (common) denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions. Let's finish this example.

The continuation of the example will not fit on one line, so we move the continuation to the next line. Don't forget about the equal sign (=) on the new line:

The answer turned out to be a regular fraction, and everything seems to suit us, but it is too cumbersome and ugly. We should make it simpler. What can be done? You can shorten this fraction.

To reduce a fraction, you need to divide its numerator and denominator by (GCD) of the numbers 20 and 30.

So, we find the gcd of numbers 20 and 30:

Now we return to our example and divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the found gcd, that is, by 10

We received an answer

Multiplying a fraction by a number

To multiply a fraction by a number, you need to multiply the numerator of the given fraction by that number and leave the denominator the same.

Example 1. Multiply a fraction by the number 1.

Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the number 1

The recording can be understood as taking half 1 time. For example, if you take pizza once, you get pizza

From the laws of multiplication we know that if the multiplicand and the factor are swapped, the product will not change. If the expression is written as , then the product will still be equal to . Again, the rule for multiplying a whole number and a fraction works:

This notation can be understood as taking half of one. For example, if there is 1 whole pizza and we take half of it, then we will have pizza:

Example 2. Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the fraction by 4

The answer was an improper fraction. Let's highlight the whole part of it:

The expression can be understood as taking two quarters 4 times. For example, if you take 4 pizzas, you will get two whole pizzas

And if we swap the multiplicand and the multiplier, we get the expression . It will also be equal to 2. This expression can be understood as taking two pizzas from four whole pizzas:

Multiplying fractions

To multiply fractions, you need to multiply their numerators and denominators. If the answer turns out to be an improper fraction, you need to highlight the whole part of it.

Example 1. Find the value of the expression.

We received an answer. It is advisable to reduce this fraction. The fraction can be reduced by 2. Then the final solution will take the following form:

The expression can be understood as taking a pizza from half a pizza. Let's say we have half a pizza:

How to take two thirds from this half? First you need to divide this half into three equal parts:

And take two from these three pieces:

We'll make pizza. Remember what pizza looks like when divided into three parts:

One piece of this pizza and the two pieces we took will have the same dimensions:

In other words, we are talking about the same size pizza. Therefore the value of the expression is

Example 2. Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction:

The answer was an improper fraction. Let's highlight the whole part of it:

Example 3. Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction:

The answer turned out to be a regular fraction, but it would be good if it was shortened. To reduce this fraction, you need to divide the numerator and denominator of this fraction by the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numbers 105 and 450.

So, let’s find the gcd of numbers 105 and 450:

Now we divide the numerator and denominator of our answer by the gcd that we have now found, that is, by 15

Representing a whole number as a fraction

Any whole number can be represented as a fraction. For example, the number 5 can be represented as . This will not change the meaning of five, since the expression means “the number five divided by one,” and this, as we know, is equal to five:

Reciprocal numbers

Now we will get acquainted with very interesting topic in mathematics. It's called "reverse numbers".

Definition. Reverse to numbera is a number that, when multiplied bya gives one.

Let's substitute in this definition instead of the variable a number 5 and try to read the definition:

Reverse to number 5 is a number that, when multiplied by 5 gives one.

Is it possible to find a number that, when multiplied by 5, gives one? It turns out it is possible. Let's imagine five as a fraction:

Then multiply this fraction by itself, just swap the numerator and denominator. In other words, let’s multiply the fraction by itself, only upside down:

What will happen as a result of this? If we continue to solve this example, we get one:

This means that the inverse of the number 5 is the number , since when you multiply 5 by you get one.

The reciprocal of a number can also be found for any other integer.

You can also find the reciprocal of any other fraction. To do this, just turn it over.

Dividing a fraction by a number

Let's say we have half a pizza:

Let's divide it equally between two. How much pizza will each person get?

It can be seen that after dividing half the pizza, two equal pieces were obtained, each of which constitutes a pizza. So everyone gets a pizza.

Division of fractions is done using reciprocals. Reciprocal numbers allow you to replace division with multiplication.

To divide a fraction by a number, you need to multiply the fraction by the inverse of the divisor.

Using this rule, we will write down the division of our half of the pizza into two parts.

So, you need to divide the fraction by the number 2. Here the dividend is the fraction and the divisor is the number 2.

To divide a fraction by the number 2, you need to multiply this fraction by the reciprocal of the divisor 2. The reciprocal of the divisor 2 is the fraction. So you need to multiply by

) and denominator by denominator (we get the denominator of the product).

Formula for multiplying fractions:

For example:

Before you begin multiplying numerators and denominators, you need to check whether the fraction can be reduced. If you can reduce the fraction, it will be easier for you to make further calculations.

Dividing a common fraction by a fraction.

Dividing fractions involving natural numbers.

It's not as scary as it seems. As in the case of addition, we convert the integer into a fraction with one in the denominator. For example:

Multiplying mixed fractions.

Rules for multiplying fractions (mixed):

convert mixed fractions to improper fractions;
multiplying the numerators and denominators of fractions;
reduce the fraction;
If you get an improper fraction, then we convert the improper fraction into a mixed fraction.

Note! To multiply a mixed fraction by another mixed fraction, you first need to convert them to the form of improper fractions, and then multiply according to the rule for multiplying ordinary fractions.

The second way to multiply a fraction by a natural number.

It may be more convenient to use the second method of multiplying a common fraction by a number.

Note! To multiply a fraction by natural number It is necessary to divide the denominator of the fraction by this number, and leave the numerator unchanged.

From the example given above, it is clear that this option is more convenient to use when the denominator of a fraction is divided without a remainder by a natural number.

Multistory fractions.

In high school, three-story (or more) fractions are often encountered. Example:

To bring such a fraction to its usual form, use division through 2 points:

Note! When dividing fractions, the order of division is very important. Be careful, it's easy to get confused here.

Note, For example:

When dividing one by any fraction, the result will be the same fraction, only inverted:

Practical tips for multiplying and dividing fractions:

1. The most important thing when working with fractional expressions is accuracy and attentiveness. Do all calculations carefully and accurately, concentratedly and clearly. It's better to write a few extra lines in your draft than to get lost in mental calculations.

2. In tasks with different types fractions - go to the form of ordinary fractions.

3. We reduce all fractions until it is no longer possible to reduce.

4. We transform multi-level fractional expressions into ordinary ones using division through 2 points.

5. Divide a unit by a fraction in your head, simply turning the fraction over.

Actions with fractions. In this article we will look at examples, everything in detail with explanations. We will consider ordinary fractions. We'll look at decimals later. I recommend watching the whole thing and studying it sequentially.

1. Sum of fractions, difference of fractions.

Rule: when adding fractions with equal denominators, the result is a fraction - the denominator of which remains the same, and its numerator will be equal to the sum of the numerators of the fractions.
Rule: when calculating the difference between fractions with the same denominators, we obtain a fraction - the denominator remains the same, and the numerator of the second is subtracted from the numerator of the first fraction.

Formal notation for the sum and difference of fractions with equal denominators:

Examples (1):

It is clear that when ordinary fractions are given, then everything is simple, but what if they are mixed? Nothing complicated...

Option 1– you can convert them into ordinary ones and then calculate them.

Option 2– you can “work” separately with the integer and fractional parts.

Examples (2):

What if the difference of two mixed fractions is given and the numerator of the first fraction is less than the numerator of the second? You can also act in two ways.

Examples (3):

*Converted to ordinary fractions, calculated the difference, converted the resulting improper fraction to a mixed fraction.

*We broke it down into integer and fractional parts, got a three, then presented 3 as the sum of 2 and 1, with one represented as 11/11, then found the difference between 11/11 and 7/11 and calculated the result. The meaning of the above transformations is to take (select) a unit and present it in the form of a fraction with the denominator we need, then we can subtract another from this fraction.

Another example:

Conclusion: there is a universal approach - in order to calculate the sum (difference) of mixed fractions with equal denominators, they can always be converted to improper ones, then perform necessary action. After this, if the result is an improper fraction, we convert it to a mixed fraction.

Above we looked at examples with fractions that have equal denominators. What if the denominators are different? In this case, the fractions are reduced to the same denominator and the specified action is performed. To change (transform) a fraction, the basic property of the fraction is used.

Let's look at simple examples:

In these examples, we immediately see how one of the fractions can be transformed to get equal denominators.

If we designate ways to reduce fractions to the same denominator, then we will call this one METHOD ONE.

That is, immediately when “evaluating” a fraction, you need to figure out whether this approach will work - we check whether the larger denominator is divisible by the smaller one. And if it is divisible, then we perform a transformation - we multiply the numerator and denominator so that the denominators of both fractions become equal.

Now look at these examples:

This approach is not applicable to them. There are also ways to reduce fractions to a common denominator; let’s consider them.

Method TWO.

We multiply the numerator and denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second, and the numerator and denominator of the second fraction by the denominator of the first:

*In fact, we reduce fractions to form when the denominators become equal. Next, we use the rule for adding fractions with equal denominators.

Example:

*This method can be called universal, and it always works. The only downside is that after the calculations you may end up with a fraction that will need to be further reduced.

Let's look at an example:

It can be seen that the numerator and denominator are divisible by 5:

Method THREE.

You need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. This will be the common denominator. What kind of number is this? This is the smallest natural number that is divisible by each of the numbers.

Look, here are two numbers: 3 and 4, there are many numbers that are divisible by them - these are 12, 24, 36, ... The smallest of them is 12. Or 6 and 15, they are divisible by 30, 60, 90 .... The least is 30. The question is - how to determine this least common multiple?

There is a clear algorithm, but often this can be done immediately without calculations. For example, according to the above examples (3 and 4, 6 and 15) no algorithm is needed, we took large numbers (4 and 15), doubled them and saw that they are divisible by the second number, but pairs of numbers can be others, for example 51 and 119.

Algorithm. In order to determine the least common multiple of several numbers, you must:

- decompose each number into SIMPLE factors

— write down the decomposition of the BIGGER of them

- multiply it by the MISSING factors of other numbers

Let's look at examples:

50 and 60 => 50 = 2∙5∙5 60 = 2∙2∙3∙5

in decomposition more one five is missing

=> LCM(50,60) = 2∙2∙3∙5∙5 = 300

48 and 72 => 48 = 2∙2∙2∙2∙3 72 = 2∙2∙2∙3∙3

in the expansion of a larger number two and three are missing

=> LCM(48.72) = 2∙2∙2∙2∙3∙3 = 144

* The least common multiple of two prime numbers is their product

Question! Why is finding the least common multiple useful, since you can use the second method and simply reduce the resulting fraction? Yes, it is possible, but it is not always convenient. Look at the denominator for the numbers 48 and 72 if you simply multiply them 48∙72 = 3456. You will agree that it is more pleasant to work with smaller numbers.

Let's look at examples:

*51 = 3∙17 119 = 7∙17

the expansion of a larger number is missing a triple

=> NOC(51,119) = 3∙7∙17

Now let's use the first method:

*Look at the difference in the calculations, in the first case there are a minimum of them, but in the second you need to work separately on a piece of paper, and even the fraction you received needs to be reduced. Finding the LOC simplifies the work significantly.

More examples:

*In the second example it is clear that the smallest number that is divisible by 40 and 60 is 120.

RESULT! GENERAL COMPUTING ALGORITHM!
— we reduce fractions to ordinary ones if there is an integer part.
- we bring fractions to a common denominator (first we look at whether one denominator is divisible by another; if it is divisible, then we multiply the numerator and denominator of this other fraction; if it is not divisible, we act using the other methods indicated above).
- Having received fractions with equal denominators, we perform operations (addition, subtraction).
- if necessary, we reduce the result.
- if necessary, then select the whole part.

2. Product of fractions.

The rule is simple. When multiplying fractions, their numerators and denominators are multiplied:

Examples:

In this article, a mathematics and physics tutor talks about how to perform basic operations with ordinary fractions: addition and subtraction, multiplication and division. Learn how to represent a mixed number as an improper fraction and vice versa, as well as how to reduce fractions.

Adding and subtracting common fractions

Let us recall that denominator fraction is the number that is from below, A numerator- the number that is located above from the fractional line. For example, in a fraction, the number is the numerator and the number is the denominator.

Common denominator is the smallest possible number that is divisible by both the denominator of the first fraction and the denominator of the second fraction.

Example 1. Add two fractions: .

Let's use the algorithm described above:

1) Smallest number, which is divisible by both the denominator of the first fraction and the denominator of the second fraction, is equal to . This number will be the common denominator. Now you need to bring both fractions to a common denominator.

2) Add the resulting fractions: .

Multiplying common fractions

In other words, for all real numbers , , , , the following equality holds:

Example 2. Multiply fractions: .

To solve this problem, we use the formula presented above: .

Dividing fractions

In other words, for all real numbers , , , , , the following equality holds:

Example 3. Divide fractions: .

To solve this problem, we use the above formula: .

Representing a mixed number as an improper fraction

Let's now figure out what to do if you need to perform any operation with fractions presented in the form of mixed numbers. In this case, you first need to represent mixed numbers as improper fractions, and then perform the necessary operation.

Let us recall that wrong A fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to its denominator is called.

Recall also that a mixed number has fraction And whole part. For example, a mixed number has a fractional part equal to , and an integer part equal to .

Example 4. Express a mixed number as an improper fraction.

Let's use the algorithm presented above: .

Example 5. Represent an improper fraction as a mixed number.

Fractional expressions are difficult for a child to understand. Most people have difficulties with. When studying the topic “adding fractions with whole numbers,” the child falls into a stupor, finding it difficult to solve the problem. In many examples, before performing an action, a series of calculations must be performed. For example, convert fractions or convert an improper fraction to a proper fraction.

Let’s explain it clearly to the child. Let's take three apples, two of which will be whole, and cut the third into 4 parts. Separate one slice from the cut apple, and place the remaining three next to two whole fruits. We get ¼ of an apple on one side and 2 ¾ on the other. If we combine them, we get three apples. Let's try to reduce 2 ¾ apples by ¼, that is, remove another slice, we get 2 2/4 apples.

Let's take a closer look at operations with fractions that contain integers:

First, let's remember the calculation rule for fractional expressions with a common denominator:

At first glance, everything is easy and simple. But this only applies to expressions that do not require conversion.

How to find the value of an expression where the denominators are different

In some tasks you need to find the meaning of an expression where the denominators are different. Let's look at a specific case:
3 2/7+6 1/3

Let's find the value of this expression by finding a common denominator for two fractions.

For the numbers 7 and 3, this is 21. We leave the integer parts the same, and bring the fractional parts to 21, for this we multiply the first fraction by 3, the second by 7, we get:
6/21+7/21, do not forget that whole parts cannot be converted. As a result, we get two fractions with the same denominator and calculate their sum:
3 6/21+6 7/21=9 15/21
What if the result of addition is an improper fraction that already has an integer part:
2 1/3+3 2/3
IN in this case We add up the whole parts and fractional parts, we get:
5 3/3, as you know, 3/3 is one, which means 2 1/3+3 2/3=5 3/3=5+1=6

Finding the sum is all clear, let’s look at the subtraction:

From all that has been said, the rule for operations with mixed numbers follows:

If you need to subtract an integer from a fractional expression, you do not need to represent the second number as a fraction; it is enough to perform the operation only on the integer parts.

Let's try to calculate the meaning of the expressions ourselves:

Let’s take a closer look at the example under the letter “m”:

4 5/11-2 8/11, the numerator of the first fraction is less than the second. To do this, we borrow one integer from the first fraction, we get,
3 5/11+11/11=3 whole 16/11, subtract the second from the first fraction:
3 16/11-2 8/11=1 whole 8/11

Be careful when completing the task, do not forget to convert improper fractions into mixed fractions, highlighting the whole part. To do this, you need to divide the value of the numerator by the value of the denominator, then what happens takes the place of the whole part, the remainder will be the numerator, for example:

19/4=4 ¾, let’s check: 4*4+3=19, the denominator 4 remains unchanged.

Summarize:

Before starting a task related to fractions, it is necessary to analyze what kind of expression it is, what transformations need to be made on the fraction in order for the solution to be correct. Look for a more rational solution. Don't go the hard way. Plan all the actions, solve them first in draft form, then transfer them to your school notebook.

To avoid confusion when solving fractional expressions, you must follow the rule of consistency. Decide everything carefully, without rushing.