📘 Page 2: Fractions and Decimals
Fractions represent parts of a whole and consist of a numerator (top number) and
denominator (bottom number). To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the
numerator by the denominator. For instance, 3/4 becomes 0.75 when divided. To
convert a decimal to a fraction, write the decimal as a ratio over a power of ten
and simplify (e.g., 0.25 = 25/100 = 1/4).
When adding or subtracting fractions, make sure the denominators are the same. If
they’re not, find a common denominator first. For example, to add 1/3 and 1/6,
convert 1/3 to 2/6, then add: 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6 = 1/2. Multiplying fractions is
simpler: multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. For
example, 2/3 × 4/5 = 8/15.
Dividing fractions involves flipping the second fraction (taking its reciprocal)
and multiplying. So, 2/3 ÷ 4/5 becomes 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6 after
simplification. Mastering these operations with fractions is essential for success
in algebra and beyond.