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FRACTIONS AND MIXED NUMBERS



Unit Overview

In this unit, you will be introduced to fractions.  First, you will look at fractions which are parts of a whole.  You will then explore mixed numbers which are a combination of whole numbers and fractions.

 

 

Fractions

A fraction is a part of a whole.
Slice a pizza, and we get fractions:


 

The top number says how many slices we have.

The bottom number says how many equal slices it was cut into.


Numerator and Denominator


We call the top number the Numerator.  It is the number of parts we have.

We call the bottom number the Denominator.  It is the number of parts the whole is divided into.



You just have to remember those names!

(If you forget just think "Down"-ominator)


Click on the link to watch the video "Fraction basics".

 



Mixed Numbers

A Mixed Fraction is a whole number and a proper fraction combined.



We can give names to every part of a mixed fraction:



Click on the link to watch the video "Mixed numbers:  changing to improper fractions".

 



Improper Fractions


A fraction with a larger number on the top and a smaller number on the bottom is called an improper fraction.

Fractions always need a small numerator and a larger denominator.  To fix this problem, you will divide this improper fraction and make it a mixed number.  Think of the fraction line as a division sign. 

Example:   The fraction  12/5  really means 12 ÷ 5

To make a mixed number you will divide.

Instead of writing remainder 2 in the quotient, you need to make the 2 into a fraction by placing it on top of the divisor.  The 2 is the whole number and the 2/5 is the fraction. 


This is the way that you change an improper fraction into a mixed number.


Click on the link to watch the video "Mixed numbers:  changing from an improper fraction".

 

Student Practice

  Fraction Pie Worksheet
   
  Fraction Bar Puzzle