Since the journey through the world of mathematics begins, that is, from preschool, we learn that as we grow, the difficulty increases. The doubts regarding the different activities or mathematical problems that we are going to find are solved through explanations and a lot of study. One of the challenges that for some even represents a nightmare is fractions.
A fraction is the numerical representation of a type of unit that is divided into certain parts and where those parts are taken to be exposed. In simpler words it could also be explained as a quantity that is divided by another quantity. These quantities have their names, which serve to identify each of its parts more easily, with the top number known as the numerator and the bottom number called the denominator, apart from the characteristic dividing line.
To solve the different exercises and problems around fractions, you have to gradually study each of the cases that can be represented. Fractions, like any numerical quantity, can be added, subtracted as well as multiplied, and of course divided. They can also have extremely elaborate problems, which are designed for people who are more advanced in the subject.
Another extremely important factor is that the numerator can be greater than the denominator, this is mentioned because in most of the exercises the opposite is the case. If this type of numbering occurs, it is understood that the different parts of a whole are no longer being represented, but that a division is represented. So you must be very attentive and learn to distinguish each particularity individually.
One extremely important thing to consider when learning about fractions is that each problem will be solved differently. For the sums by examples it will be taken into account if the denominator is equal or not, to carry out the operation with the most suitable method. The same happens for subtractions, where the process will be different depending on the case that arises.
Learning about reading fractions is also important to understand a little more about them. It is very common that when you start experimenting with fractions, the way to express yourself in this regard is a number over another number, but the reality is that there are more appropriate terms in this regard. Each denominator, whatever the number it represents, corresponds to a specific name.
To refer to two as a denominator, the expression half is used, then we say the number on top with its corresponding name and the one on the bottom would be half, third, quarters; successively, as appropriate. With these names it is a little easier to understand the theoretical fragment related to fractions.
Fractions also have a graphical representation that helps make their compression much easier. In order to visualize this type of operations, geometric figures are very commonly used, where the figure will be divided by colors into parts where a certain color will represent the denominator and its opposite the numerator.
What do you need:
- Calculator.
- Pencil.
- Computer (in some cases).
- Sheets of paper or notebook.
Instructions
- Understand well what they are about Fractions do not have to be something from another world. They are simple problems that can be solved very easily if the theory is mastered. The first step is to understand exactly what they are and what they are for.
Fractions can help us measure large quantities where we need to take a small part, such as in a cooking recipe. They are also extremely important since we will use it throughout our lives, sometimes even unconsciously. It is just as important to know the names and what each operation refers to as solving the exercises and problems. There must be a balance between theory and practice so that this topic does not become very tedious, especially because of what we mentioned before that as you progress, some type of difficulty is added, but nothing impossible. sort out. - Knowing how to differentiate each type of fraction There are three types of fractions: those that are simple or also called common, proper and improper fractions, and those that are called mixed. Each of them have particular values but are usually quite similar to each other. As its name says, simple fractions are those that we are used to seeing more commonly. These are made up of integers and represent a rational number inheriting all its rational properties. In turn, this type of fraction can be classified among its own, for which its parts are positive numbers and the numerator is less than the other part; In the case of improper, the opposite happens, the denominator ends up being the smallest in this type. The mixed fraction constitutes a more particular part, where a combination between the improper fraction represented as a whole number and the proper fraction is written. In this way you can visualize several examples in terms of measured units in a much more practical way. There will also be other types of fractions such as the reason, as a comparison; the inverse fraction, to explain the obtaining of another where the numerator and denominator are inverted; the compound fraction, where its parts are also made up of fractions or some kind of mixed number; And finally the decimal fraction or percentage, where the denominator will be a power of 10.
- Determine the particular type of operation to be performed. As we mentioned before, each type of fraction can be represented in a particular problem where it will be solved with a specific procedure adapted to that type of problem. Addition and subtraction. For both cases of fraction problems with the same denominators, you will simply base yourself on the addition of the numerators and leave the same denominator in the final result. For the subtraction the same procedure is done but it is going to be subtracted instead of adding the numerators. For the operations that have a different denominator, multiply the denominator of a fraction by the numerator of the other fraction and the same with its other part, in this way you will obtain two results that when added or subtracted (as appropriate) will give you the corresponding numerator. To obtain the denominator you only have to multiply both denominators and you will have the result of your sum. Multiplication. Multiplication is one of the easiest since it will be done directly. You will only have to multiply the numerator by the numerator of the other fraction and the same with the denominators, the result corresponding to the fraction equivalently. Division. For the division of fractions, the numerator will be inverted with the denominator of the second fraction and then a direct multiplication will be done as we taught you before. Immediately having the final result of the exercise.
- Be aware of the difficulty according to the stage you are studying. Each of the aforementioned problems has a difficulty adapted to a specific stage where you cannot learn to perform one type of operation without first mastering the other. The study of the theory is important to be able to establish in which part of the learning of the fractions we are and above all the relevance that they have in daily life and in education.
- Ask for help if necessary. Some people find it much easier to understand fraction problems, which is why if you have difficulty, ask for help without any shame. Each human being has his own strengths and perhaps mathematics is not yours, which is why you should not be ashamed if you do not understand fractions at some specific point.
- Simplify. When you finish with a fraction exercise or with a specific problem, the last step to carry out and one of the most important is simplification. This means taking the fraction to lowest terms by dividing both its numerator and its denominator by common numbers until it can no longer be divided because their numbers are prime or do not match each other.
Tips
- When doing any fraction exercise, you must have an order since it is very easy to get lost among all the numbering that must be done. This advice works especially if they are problems of a more advanced level.
- Correct all the exercises at the end of any operation, since sometimes we can make unexpected errors that can be easily corrected by reviewing the entire procedure before completely completing that task.
- Learning to carry out and master fractions helps us to innocently understand mathematics in a deeper way, especially since there will be many operations that you will carry out with this type of denomination, from cleaning the home to the purchase that will be made in any type of way. common supermarket.