Lecture: Fraction Arithmetic (Grade 9)
In this lecture, we will learn how to perform arithmetic with fractions. This includes adding,
subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions, as well as working with mixed numbers.
Understanding fractions is very important because they are used in algebra, geometry,
science, and even in everyday life.
Key Points to Remember
1. Fractions represent parts of a whole (e.g., 1/2, 3/4).
2. A mixed number is made of a whole number and a fraction (e.g., 2 1/3).
3. Always try to simplify fractions to their lowest terms.
4. When adding or subtracting fractions, the denominators must be the same.
5. Multiplying and dividing fractions is usually easier than addition/subtraction.
Adding Fractions
Step 1: Make sure denominators are the same (find LCM if needed).
Step 2: Add the numerators.
Step 3: Simplify if possible.
Example 1: 1/4 + 2/4 = (1+2)/4 = 3/4
Example 2: 2/3 + 3/5 → LCM of 3 and 5 is 15 → (10/15 + 9/15) = 19/15 = 1 4/15
Subtracting Fractions
Step 1: Find a common denominator.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators.
Step 3: Simplify.
Example 1: 5/6 - 1/6 = (5-1)/6 = 4/6 = 2/3
Example 2: 7/8 - 2/3 → LCM of 8 and 3 is 24 → (21/24 - 16/24) = 5/24
Multiplying Fractions
Step 1: Multiply numerators.
Step 2: Multiply denominators.
Step 3: Simplify.
Example 1: 2/3 × 3/5 = 6/15 = 2/5
Example 2: 7/4 × 2/3 = 14/12 = 7/6 = 1 1/6
Dividing Fractions
Step 1: Keep the first fraction as it is.
Step 2: Flip (take reciprocal of) the second fraction.
Step 3: Multiply the fractions.
Step 4: Simplify.
Example 1: 3/4 ÷ 2/5 = 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8 = 1 7/8
Example 2: 5/6 ÷ 7/9 = 5/6 × 9/7 = 45/42 = 15/14 = 1 1/14
Working with Mixed Numbers
Step 1: Convert mixed numbers into improper fractions.
Step 2: Perform the required operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide).
Step 3: Convert back to a mixed number if necessary.
Example 1: 2 1/3 + 1 2/5 = (7/3 + 7/5) = 35/15 + 21/15 = 56/15 = 3 11/15
Example 2: 3 1/4 × 2 2/3 = (13/4 × 8/3) = 104/12 = 26/3 = 8 2/3
Practice Questions
1. 3/5 + 4/7
2. 7/8 - 5/12
3. 9/10 × 2/3
4. 5/6 ÷ 1/4
5. 2 1/2 + 1 3/4
6. 4 2/3 ÷ 2 1/5
Summary
1. Fractions require careful attention to denominators when adding or subtracting.
2. Multiplying and dividing fractions is straightforward: multiply straight across, or use
reciprocals for division.
3. Always simplify answers.
4. Convert mixed numbers into improper fractions before calculating.
5. Fractions appear everywhere in mathematics, so mastering them will help you in algebra
and beyond.
