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Rational number operations | Lesson

What are rational number operations?

include
,
, and
.
For integers and decimals, we can rely on our calculators to add, subtract, multiply, and divide them. However, basic calculators can't give us answers in fractions. Therefore, we need to be able to perform fraction operations by hand.

What skills are tested?

  • Writing equivalent fractions
  • Multiplying fractions
  • Dividing fractions
  • Adding and subtracting fractions
  • Performing operations on a mix of integers, fractions, and decimals

How do we multiply fractions?

The product of two fractions is equal to the product of their numerators divided by the product of their denominators.
ab×cd=acbd

How do we divide fractions?

Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by the
of that fraction.
ab÷cd=ab×dc=adbc

How do we add and subtract fractions?

To add and subtract fractions, we must:
  • Find a
    .
  • Write the equivalent form of each fraction using the common denominator.
  • Add or subtract the numerators while retaining the common denominator.
ab±cd=(ab×dd)±(cd×bb)=adbd±bcbd=ad±bcbd

What about fractions mixed with decimals?

When working with a mix of fractions and decimals, convert the numbers based on the format of the choices.
  • If the choices are presented as fractions, convert decimals to fractions.
  • If the choices are presented as decimals, convert the fractions to decimals.
  • Convert mixed numbers to either decimals or improper fractions.

Your turn!

TRY: MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS
What is the value of 35×16 ?
Choose 1 answer:

TRY: DIVIDING FRACTIONS
What is 35÷23 expressed as a single fraction?
  • Your answer should be
  • a proper fraction, like 1/2 or 6/10
  • an improper fraction, like 10/7 or 14/8

TRY: SUBTRACTING FRACTIONS
What is the value of 5612 ?
Choose 1 answer:

TRY: WORKING WITH FRACTIONS AND DECIMALS
What is 56 of 0.7 ?
Choose 1 answer:

Things to remember

Convert
to
before operating.
ab×cd=acbdab÷cd=ab×dc=adbcab±cd=ad±bcbd
Simplify the result if necessary.
When working with a mix of fractions and decimals, convert the numbers based on the format of the choices.

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