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A fraction is in simplest form, or reduced form, when the numerator and the denominator have no common factors other than 1. To write a fraction in its simplest form (lowest terms), divide both the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor (GCF) that divides evenly into both numbers.
Symbolic The symbolic representation of a fraction uses the notation: numerator denominator Additionally, the numerator and denominator take on different meanings according to the type of representation. For example, as an area the denominator represents the number of parts the whole has been cut into and the numerator is the number of parts
A fraction consists of two numbers separated by a bar in between them. • The bottom number, called the denominator, is the total number of equally divided portions in one whole.
Fractions are a way we can represent parts of a whole or single unit. For example, suppose we have just baked a pizza. Before we cut it up, it is a whole or single unit. Now, suppose we cut the pizza into four slices. It is still a whole pizza but now is divided into four parts.
Compare unit fractions with different denominators (e.g. 1/3, 1/4, 1/5). Compare fractions with the same denominator (e.g. 1/5, 2/5, 3/5). Encourage strategies for deciding whether a fraction (unit or non-unit) is less than half, equal to half or greater than half.
Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model. Express whole numbers as fractions, and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers. Examples: Express 3 in the form 3 = 3=1; recognize that 6=1 = 6; locate 4=4 and 1 at the same point of a number line diagram.
In this unit we shall look at the basic concept of fractions — what they are, what they look like, why we have them and how we use them. We shall also look at different ways of writing down the same fraction.
