Chapter 6

Chapter Objectives:

* Fractions and mixed numbers are used to name wholes and parts of a whole.

* Fractions and mixed numbers can be added and subtracted.

Vocabulary:

Numerator - The numerator is the number above the fraction bar. It shows the number of equal parts of the whole or set.

Denominator - The denominator is the number below the fraction bar. It shows how many equal parts the whole or set is divided into.

Equivalent fractions - Equivalent fractions are fractions with different numerators and denominators but have the same value. Ex: 6/18 and 1/3 are equivalent fractions.

Unlike fractions - Unlike fractions are fractions with different denominators. Ex: 2/5 and 1/4 are unlike fractions.

Mixed number - A mixed number represents the sum of a whole number and a fraction. Ex: 2 1/3.

Simplest form - A fraction is in simplest form when the numerator and the denominator cannot be any smaller. To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by the highest number that can divide into both the numerator and the denominator exactly. Ex: 3/21 in simplest form is 1/7, and 6/9 in simplest form is 2/3.

Improper fraction - An improper fraction has a numerator that is greater that its denominator. It represents a fraction that is greater than 1 whole. Ex: 12/7.

Fraction bar - The line separating the numerator and the denominator in a fraction. The fraction bar means 'divided by'.

Division rule - The division rule can be used to rename an improper fraction as a mixed number. Ex: 9/4 means 9 divided by 4.                  9 ÷ 4  =  2  R  1

Multiplication rule - The multiplication rule can be used to rename a mixed number as an improper fraction. Ex: 3 3/4  =  3 + 3/4  =  12/4  +  3/4  =  15/4