Introduction to Fractions Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

What does the denominator of a fraction tell you?

The number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

e.g. in $\frac{3}{10}$ the whole is split into 10 equal parts.

What does the numerator of a fraction tell you?

How many of the equal parts are being counted.

e.g. in $\frac{3}{10}$, 3 of the parts are counted.

How do you write the fraction of a shape or set that is shaded?

e.g. 3 of 10 identical squares are shaded

$\frac{\text{number of shaded parts}}{\text{total number of equal parts}}$, so $\frac{3}{10}$.

What are the steps to write fractions in order of size, smallest first?

e.g. $\frac{1}{2}$, $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{5}{6}$

1. Write them with a common denominator: $\frac{3}{6}$, $\frac{2}{6}$, $\frac{5}{6}$
2. Compare the numerators: 2, 3, 5
3. List the original fractions in that order: $\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{1}{2}$, $\frac{5}{6}$

What are the steps to decide which of two fractions is closer to $\frac{1}{2}$?

e.g. $\frac{3}{5}$ and $\frac{5}{8}$

1. Common denominator with $\frac{1}{2}$: $\frac{20}{40}$, $\frac{24}{40}$, $\frac{25}{40}$
2. Find each distance from $\frac{1}{2}$: $\frac{4}{40}$ and $\frac{5}{40}$
3. Smaller distance is closer: $\frac{3}{5}$