Fractions always show what part you have out of the whole thing:
part
whole
The part can be any amount. The whole always specifies the
number of pieces in each whole thing.
For example, if you have 75 pennies and want to write it as a fractional part
of a dollar:
part
whole |
= |
75 pennies
100 pennies |
(your part)
(one whole dollar) |
= |
75
100 |
= |
3
4 |
75 pennies is what fractional part of a dollar?
EXPLANATION: Put the part (the 75 pennies) in the numerator (on
top) of the fraction; the number of those SAME units in each
WHOLE (dollar) is the denominator (on the bottom). You now have
75/100 (which can be simplified). 75/100 = 3/4 (of a dollar)
Notice that the fraction is always simplified completely (reduced to lowest
terms). The part can be more than one whole thing -- divide to
change the improper fraction to a mixed number, then simplify (reduce) if
possible.
Change 20 feet to yards. There are 3 feet in one yard.
part
whole |
= |
20 feet
3 feet |
(your part)
(one whole yard) |
= |
20
3 |
= |
6 2/3
|
Change (convert) 20 feet to yards.
EXPLANATION: Put the part (the 20 feet) in the numerator (on top)
of the fraction; the number of those SAME units in each WHOLE (yard)
is the denominator (on the bottom). Notice that 20 feet is MORE
THAN one whole yard; the fraction is "improper" (the numerator -top- is
greater than the denominator). You now have 20/3 (which can be simplified).
20 divided by 3 = 6 2/3 (yards)
| Remember the PART is the number of pieces you're given;
the WHOLE is the number of those pieces in each whole thing:
|
| |
12 inches in a foot:
|
|
ONE WHOLE = 12 inches
|
| a yard equals 36 inches:
|
ONE WHOLE = 36 in.
|
| ten dimes in a dollar:
|
ONE WHOLE = 10 dimes
|
| 100 centimeters = one meter
|
ONE WHOLE = 100 cm.
|
| 
