Browse Tag: fractions in mixed forms

How to Convert Improper Fractions to Mixed Forms

In Introduction to Functions, we have learned about proper and improper fractions. A fraction whose numerator (the number above the fraction bar) is less than its denominator (the number below the fraction bar) is called a proper fraction. Therefore, \frac{1}{3}, \frac{2}{5} and \frac{11}{20} are proper fractions.

On the other hand,  a fraction whose numerator is greater than its denominator is called an improper fraction. Therefore the fractions \frac{21}{7}, \frac{8}{3} and \frac{67}{5} are improper fractions.

In the Civil Service Examinations, some fractions need to be converted from one form to another. For example, in answering a number series test, you might need to convert an improper fraction to mixed form in order to compare it to other fractions in mixed form. In this post, we learn this method: how to convert an improper fraction to mixed form.

In converting improper fractions to mixed form you will just have to divide the fraction, find its quotient and its remainder. Remember that the fraction \frac{34}{5} also means 34 divided by 5. Continue Reading

How to Convert Fractions to Lowest Terms

In the Civil Service Examination and in many mathematics examinations, results that are fractions are usually required to be converted to their lowest terms.  The numerator and the denominator of a fraction in lowest terms cannot be divided by any  similar integer. Knowledge of divisibility rules can be helpful in this process.

Example 1: Convert \frac{6}{9} to lowest terms.

In the first example, we can see that the numerator and the denominator are both divisible by 3. Dividing both the numerator and the denominator by 3 gives us 2/3.

\displaystyle \frac{6 \div 3}{9 \div 3} = \frac{2}{3}

Note that dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the same integer does not change the value of the fraction. Continue Reading