The Guide to Fractions

(Moms' note: Peter has been using two wonderful resources in the past few weeks for his math studies. The Life of Fred: Fractions and his super Dad math teacher Kevin. He thinks other kids are probably jealous that they don't have his dad.)

1. Comparing Fractions

Take for example the problem of comparing 4/5 and 8/9. It is pretty hard to do it with different denominators. So you have to find the LCM which stand for Least Common Multiple. Five does not fit into 9, so 9 is not the LCM. Nine times 5 is 45 and both fit in, so that is a Multiple. Let's see, I will count by 9's (because it is easier to find the 5's than the 9's): 18, 27, 36, 45 - waa-la! There is your LCM!

Now, I see how many times 9 fits into it and 5 fits into it.

Let's see.

4/5 5 fits into 45, 9 times = 45. So, 9 times 4 =36. So we get 36/45

8/9 9 fits into 45, 5 times = 45. So, 5 times 8 =40. So we get 40/45

Now you know that 4/5 is less than 8/9.

2. Improper and Mixed Fractions and how you make them

Take for example the problem 8/9 plus 8/9 plus 8/9. 24/9 does not make sense! That is an improper fraction because the numerator is more than the denominator. Another example of an improper fraction is 4/4. Now to the mixed fractions.

If you know your multiplication, you know that 9 fits into 24 two times as 18. And 18/9 equals 2 wholes (not the kind in your donut). The improper fraction which is 18/9 has two 9/9s which is two wholes. But what about that leftover 6, you might say? So then you get 2 and 6/9, which reduced is 2 and 2/3. There is your answer, it is a mixed fraction!

3. Reducing Bigger Fractions

Here's your problem: 64/98 (I told you it would be big!)

Two fits into 64 and 98, so you will divide both by two.

N: 64 divided by 2 = 32

D: 98 divided by 2 = 49

I think I did the wrong problem. Does anyone know a number that fits evenly into 32 and 49?