Fraction Bars
Look over these fraction strips. Each strip represents 1 whole.
1 = 2 halves, 3 thirds, 4 fourths, 5 fifths, 6 sixths, and so on.
Thus, 1 = 2/2 = 3/3 = 4/4 = 5/5 = 6/6 and so on…
ADDING FRACTIONS WITH LIKE DENOMINATORS
Fraction bars help us understand computations with fractions. We’ll first solve addition problems using fraction bars.
Improper fractions, fractions in which the numerator is larger than the denominator, may be expressed as mixed fractions and simplified to lowest terms.
To add fractions with the same denominator (bottom number), add the numerators (top numbers) only. The denominator will remain the same. The “d” in denominator is a signal that the denominator is “down” at the bottom of the fraction.
To add fractions with different denominators we find the least common denominator (LCD). Sometimes the LCD is called least common multiple (LCM).
Write fraction answers using the form in these examples.
Example 1: two-thirds is written as 2/3.
Example 2: five and three fourths is written as 5 3/4.
Fraction Bars
Look over these fraction strips. Each strip represents 1 whole.
1 = 2 halves, 3 thirds, 4 fourths, 5 fifths, 6 sixths, and so on.
|
Adding Fractions with Like Denominators Using Fraction Bars Study the two addition problems below. To add fractions with like denominators, only add the numerators (top numbers of the fractions).  |
 Changing Improper Fractions |
| The Britannica login and password may be required for some of the activities. Login: vla Password: student |
Improper Fraction to Mixed Fraction
Example 1: Express 13/10 as a mixed fraction.
Method 1
Express the fraction as two fractions where the first one is equal to the largest whole number within the fraction and the second fraction is the remaining fractional part.
Method 2
Divide the numerator by the denominator and express the remainder as a fraction.
Thirteen-tenths is equal to one and three tenths.
Example 2: Express 15/10 as a simplified mixed fraction.
|
| Changing Improper Fractions |
| The Britannica login and password may be required for some of the activities. Login: vla Password: student |
Adding Fractions with Like Denominators
Example 1: |
Finding LCM
To find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) 1. List the multiples of both given numbers. 2. Find the first multiple that is common to both sets of multiples.  |
 |
 Click on the icon to find and practice topics for this unit. |
| Unit 7 Fraction Bars Worksheet |
| Unit 7 Adding Simple Fractions Worksheet |
| Unit 7 Least Common Multiple Worksheet |
