denominator, the value of the fraction
is equal to 1.
FRACTIONS
A) Reading Fractions
A fraction is a number that represents a
part
of a whole. It is written as p where p
and q are
q
whole numbers and q # 0.
p is read as 'p over q'.
q
For example:(a) 3 is read as 'three over four' or three
quarter.
4
B) Representing Fractions with
Diagrams.
For example:-
EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS
A)Finding Equivalent Fractions
1. Equivalent fractions are fractions having
the same value.
For example:(a)
1. Fractions can be represented with
diagrams and number lines.
For example:-
The shaded parts in both the triangle are
equal.
In each of the diagrams above, the
shaded parts are 2
out of 3 equal parts, that is 2
3
and the bottom number is called the
numerator.
Therefore, 1 and 2 have the same value.
2
4
1 and 2 are equivalent fractions.
2
4
Therefore, 1 = 2 .
2 4
B) Determining whether Two given
Fractions are Equivalent
For example:2 ( Numerator )
3 ( Denominator )
When the numerator is the same as the
To determine whether two given fractions
are equivalent or not, we can use diagrams
calculation.
Worked example
Determine whether 2 and 4 are equivalent.
6
12
Solution
2. When comparing two fractions having the
same
Worked example
Determine whether 3 and 5 are equivalent.
6
12
Solution
numerator, the fraction with the smaller
denominator
is greater in value.
For example:-
3 and 5 are not equivalent.
6
12
C) Comparing the values of Two
Fractions
1. When comparing two fractions having the
same denominator, the fraction with the
bigger numerator is greater in value.
For example:-
3. To compare two fractions having different
numerators, and denominators, carry out the
following steps.
Step 1 : Find the LCM of the two
denominators.
Step 2 : Convert each of the given fraction
with the LCM as its denominator.
Step 3 : Compare the numerators of the
fractions.
Worked example
Which is greater, 7 or 4 ?
9
5
Solution
7 = 35 ( LCM of 9 and 5 is 45 )
9
45
4 = 36
45
35 < 36
45 45
Therefore, 4 is greater.
5
D) Arranging Fractions in Order
(a) Arrange 2 , 6 , 4 , 8 in increasing order.
9 9 9 9
(b) Arrange 1 , 1 , 3 and 1 in decreasing
order.
2 3 4
6
Solution
(a) 2 , 4 , 6 , 8
9 9 9 9
3. To simplify a fraction to its lowest terms,
divide the numerator and the denominator by their HCF.
4. All answer must be given in their lowest
terms.
Worked example
Simplify 12 to its lowest terms.
18
Solution
(b) 1 = 1 x 6 = 6 ; 1 = 1 x 4 = 4 ;
2 1 x 6 12 3
3 x 4 = 12
3= 3x3 = 9 ; 1 = 1x2 =2 ;
4 4 x 3 12 6
6 x 2 12
Therefore, the fractions arranged
decreasing order
are 3 , 1 , 1 , 1 .
4 2 3 6 ( from the biggest to the
smallest )
E) Simplifying Fractions
MIXED NUMBERS
A) Recognising Mixed Numbers
1. A mixed number is a number consisting of a
whole number and a fraction.
For example:-
1. A fraction is in its lowers terms if the
numerator and
denominator have no common factor
except 1.
2. To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator
and denominator repeatedly by their common
factors.
For example:-
2. All mixed numbers are greater than 1.
B) Representing Mixed Numbers with
Diagrams
Mixed numbers can be represented by
diagrams.
For example:-
D) Comparing andd Arranging
Mixed Numbers
1. Like fractions, mixed numbers can be
compared and
arranged by using a number line. Any number
on the
number line is greater than the numbers to its
left.
2. To compare and arrange mixed numbers
having the
same whole number part but different
fractional part,
carry out following steps.
Step 1 : Find the LCM of the dinominators.
Step 2 : Convert each of the given fractions to
an equivalent
fraction with the LCM as its
denominator.
Step 3 : Compare and arrange the mixed
numbers.
Worked Example
C) Writing Mixed Numbers based on the
given Diagrams
Which is greater,
For example:Arrange both mixed numbers on a number line.
Solution
The LCM of 9 and 3 is 9.
Since 3 6 is greater than 3 5 , therefore 3 2 is
9
Therefore, the mixed numbers arranged in
decreasing
order are 2 3, 2 1 , 1 1 .
4
2
3
3.4 PROPER FRACTIONS AND
IMPROPER FRACTIONS
A) Determining Proper Fractions and
Worked Example
Improper Fractions
(a) Arrange 2 1 , 2 2 , 2 1 in increasing order.
2
3
6
(b) Arrange 2 3 , 1 1 , 2 1 in decreasing order.
4
3
2
Solution
1. A proper fraction has a numerator which is
smaller than the denominator.
For example:-
(a) The LCM of 2, 3 and 6 is 6.
1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 13
2 4 7 12 30
2 1=2 3;2 2=2 4
2
2. An improper fraction has a numerator which
is the same as or greater than the
denominator.
Therefore, the mixed numbers arranged
increasing
3 , 4 , 7 , 10 , 12 , 15
2 3 3 10
5
9
order are 2 1 , 2 1 , 2 2 .
6
2
3
(b) The LCM of 4, 3 and 2 is 2.
Worked Example
1 1 is smaller than 2 1 and 2 3 .
3
21
=22
2
4
For example:-
Determine whether each fraction below is a
proper
fraction or an improper fraction.
(a) 6
4
(b) 7
7
(c) 13
16
Solution
denominator and
(a) 6 is an improper fraction.
4
then add the product to the numerator. The
denomi-
(b) 7 is an improper fraction.
7
nator remains the same.
Worked Example
(c) 13 is a proper fraction.
16
Convert these mixed numbers to improper
fractions.
B) Converting Whole Numbers to
Improper Fraction.
(a)
55
(b) 10 6
7
9
1. All whole numbers are improper fractions
with
Solution
1 as their denominators.
For example:-
5 = 5 , 13 = 13 , 32 = 32
1
2. Whole numbers can be converted to
improper
fractions with other denominators.
For example:(a) 4 = 4
1
4 = 4 x 12
1 x 12
=4x8
= 48
1 x 8 ( 8 as denominator )
12 ( 12
as denominator )
= 32
8
C) Converting Mixed Numbers to
Improper Fractions.
To change a mixed number to an improper
fraction,
multiply the whole number by the
(b) 10 6 = 10 x 7 + 6
7
7
= 76
7
D) Converting Improper Fractions to
Mixed Numbers.
1. To change an improper fraction to a mixed
number,
divide the numerator by the denominator.
2. The quotient obtained is the whole number
part and
the remainder is the numerator of the
fractional part.
Worked Example
Convert these improper fractions to mixed
numbers.
(a) 57
4
(b) 92
8
Solution
(a) 57 = 14 1
4
4
ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION OF
FRACTIONS
(b) 92 = 11 4
8
8
A) Addition of Fractions
i) Adding two fractions with the same
or common
denominator
1. To add two fractions with the same
denominator,
3. Where possible, simplify the improper
fraction to
keep the denominator and add the
numerators.
its lowest terms before converting it to the
mixed
2. Answer are always written in their lowest
terms.
number.
Worked Example
Worked Example
Change these improper fractions to mixed
numbers
or whole numbers.
(a) 129
9
Solution
(b) 96
8
Find the value of 5 + 7 .
9
9
Solution
5 + 7 = 12
9
9
9 ( No change in the denominator. )
= 1 3 ( Change improper fraction
9 to mixed number )
=11
3 ( Simplify to lowest terms )
ii) Adding two fractions with different
denominators
(a) 12 + 3 = 12 3
5
5
( Answer are mixed
To add two fractions with different denominators,
first
numbers. )
(b) 7 + 6 =
9
7
9
find the LCM of the denominators and then
convert
iv) Adding fractions and mixed numbers
both the fractions with the same denominator.
1. To add a fraction and a mixed number, keep
the
Worked Example
Solve the following.
whole number and add the fractional parts
like
adding the fractions.
(a) 5 + 2
12 3
2. Answer are always written in their lowest
terms.
Solution
(a) 5 + 2 = 5 + 2 x 4
12 3 12 3 x 4 ( LCM of 3 and 12 is
12 )
Worked Example
Simplify
=5 + 8
12 12
(a) 1 +
3
= 13
12
Solution
(a) 1 +
3
11
2 = 1 +
3
3
4+
2 = 1+
3
3
4+2
2
3
12 ( Change to mixed number. )
=4+3
3
iii) Adding whole number and fraction, a mixed
number is produced
=4+1
Worked Example
=5
Solve the following.
v) Adding two mixed numbers
(a) 12 + 3
5
Worked Example
Solution
(b) 7 + 6
9
Solve
5+
9
5
6
B) Problem Solving involving Addition of
Fractions
Solution
Worked Example
Bag P weighs 1 4 kg. Bag R is 2 3 kg heavier
than
5
10
bag P. Calculate the total mass of the two bags.
Solution
1. Understand the problem
Given information :
vi) Adding three fractions
Before performing the addition, convert the
fractions
to their respective equivalent fractions with the
same
denominator.
Find the value of
5+4
5
Bag R is 2 3 kg heavier than bag P.
10
Find : Total mass of bags P and R.
2. Devise a plan
Use addition.
Worked Example
(a)
Bag P weighs 1 4 kg.
5
31
3. Carry out the plan
14+23
5
14
= 9 + 23 + 9
5
5
10
5
10
= 18 + 23 + 18
10
Solution
= 59
10
(a) 5 + 4 + 3 1 = 5 + 4 + 7
5
2
1
5
2
= 50 + 8 + 35
10
= 93
10
=93
10
59
10
Therefore, the total mass of
bags P and R is
5 9 kg.
10
4. Check
14
23
= 9 + 23
10
10
= 18 + 23
10
= 41
10
41 + 9 = 41 + 18
10 5
10
= 59 =
10
59
10
c) Subtraction of Fractions
i) Subtracting fraction with the same or common
denominator.
1. To subtract two fractions with the same
denominator,
keep the denominator and subtract the
numerators.
2. Answers are always written in their lowest
terms.
Worked Example
Solve 9 - 3 .
14 14
Solution
9- 3 =9-3
14 14
14 ( subtract. )
=6
14
= 3 ( lowest terms )
7
ii) Subtracting fractions with different
denominators
To subtract two fractions with different
denominators,
first find the LCM of the denominators and then
convert
both the fractions to their respective equivalent
fractions
with the same denominator.
Worked Example
Solve 5 - 3
6 8
Solution
5 - 3=5x4 - 3x3
6 8
24
24 ( LCM of 6 and 8 is 24. )
= 20 - 9
24
= 11
24
iii) Subtracting a fraction from a whole number
To subtracting two fraction from a whole number,
convert the whole number to an improper
fraction
with a common denominator as the fraction.
Worked Example
Solve the following.
Solution
iv) Subtracting a fraction from a mixed number
Solution
To subtract a fraction from a mixed number,
carry
out the following steps.
Step 1 : Convert the mixed number to an
improper
fraction.
Step 2 : Find the LCM of the denominators.
Step 3 : Convert both the fractions to their
respective
equivalent fractions with the same
denominator.
Worked Example
Simplify the following.
(a) 5 5 - 3
6 4
vi) Subtracting three fractions
Solution
(a)
55
- 3 = 35 - 3
6
4 6 4
= 70 - 9
12
= 61
12
=
51
12
v) Subtracting two mixed numbers
Worked Example
Simplify
51-35
4
Carry out the subtractions of three fractions
from left to right.
Worked Example
Simplify
(a) 9 - 1 - 1
10 2 5
Solution
Therefore, amount of oil remained was 1 3 kg.
5
4. Check
32+13
5
= 17 + 8
5
5
= 25
5
D) Problem Solving involving Subtraction of
Fractions
Worked Example
=5
MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION OF
FRACTIONS
Puan Aishah bought 5 kg of cooking oil. She used
A) Multiplication of Fractions
up 3 2 kg. Find the amount of oil remained.
5
i) Multiplying a whole number by a fraction
Multiplying of a whole number by a fraction
Solution
or a mixed number is the repeated addition
1. Understand the problem
Given information :
of the fraction or the mixed number.
Worked Example
32
kg from the 5 kg of oil was used.
5
Find : Amount of oil remained
2. Devise a plan
Use subtraction.
3. Carry out the plan
5 - 3 2 = 5 17
5
5
= 25 - 17
5
=8
5
=13
5
Solve 6 x 3
4
Solution
Method 1 : By using diagrams
6x3
4
Worked Example
Find the value of 4 x 25.
5
Solution
Method 1 : By multiplying directly
4 x 25 = 100
5
5
Method 2 : By repeated addition
= 20
6x3=3+3+3+3+3+3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Method 2 : By cancellation
= 18
4
=41
2
Method 3 : By multiplying directly
iii) Multiplying two fractions
Evaluate 2 x 3
3
8
Solution
Method 1 : By using diagrams
2 x 3
3
8
Method 4 : By cancellation
ii) Multiplying a fraction by a whole number
Method 2 : By cancellation
2x 3
3 8
numbers and mixed numbers )
Worked Example
Evaluate 2 1 x 9 x 1 1
3 14
12
Solution
iv) Multiplying two mixed numbers ( including
whole numbers )
In multiplication involving a mixed number,
change
B) Problem Solving involving Multiplication
of Fractions
Worked Example
Worked Example
In a class of 48 pupils, 5 are girls. How many
12
girls are there in the class ?
Simplify each of the following.
Solution
(a) 2 4 x 20
5
1. Understand the problem
the mixed number to an improper fraction first.
Solution
Given information :
5 of 48 pupils are girls.
12
Find : Number of girls
2. Devise a plan
Use multipcation.
3. Carry out the plan
v) Multiplying three fractions ( including whole
terms.
Worked Example
Therefore, there are 20 girls in the class.
Divide the shaded portion into 4 equal parts.
4. Check
Solution
C) Division of Fractions
i) Dividing a quantity into parts.
Diagrams can be used to show the division of
a quantity.
For example:Worked Example
Simplify the following.
(a) 2 4
5
Solution
ii) Dividing a fraction by a whole number
iii) Dividing a fraction by a fraction
1. To perform division involving fractions,
multiply
Diagrams can be used to show the division
the dividend by the reciprocal of the divisor.
2. Answer are always written in their lowest
of a fraction by another fraction.
For example:-
Worked Example
Simplify 2 4
3 5
Worked Example
Solution
Simplify the following.
(a) 6 3
8
Solution
iv) Dividing a whole number by a fraction
Division of a whole number by a fraction
is process of finding the number of times
the fraction is contained in that number.
For example:-
v) Dividing a mixed number by a mixed number
1. To perform a division involving mixed
numbers,
always convert the mixed numbers into
improper
fraction first.
2. Answer are always written in their lowest
terms.
Worked Example
Simplify each of the following.
(a) 1 1 1 7
4
8
Use division
(b) 1 1 8 1
3 9 6
Solution
3. Carry out the plan
2 1 15 = 9 15
4
4
= 9 x 1 = 9 = 3 kg.
4 15 60 20
Therefore, the mass of each packet is 3 kg.
20
4. Check
Mass of 15 packets of flour
= 15 x 3 kg = 2 1 kg
20
4
COMBINED OPERATIONS OF +, -, x,
OF FRACTIONS
D) Problem Solving involving Division of
Fractions
A) Combined Operations of any Two
Operations
Worked Example
Worked Example
Simplify the following.
2 1 kg of flour is put equally into 15 packets.
4
(a) 11 + 3 - 1
12 4 1
Find the mass of each packets.
Solution
Solution
1. Understand the problem
Given information :
21
kg of flour is put equally into 15
packets.
4
Find : Mass of each packet of flour
2. Devise a plan
(b) 6 - 4 1 + 2 3
5 10
B) Combined Operation involving Brackets
Worked Example
Simplify the following.
(a) 3 + 5 x 1 1
5 8
5
Solution
(b)
2511-11
8
1. To perform a calculation involving any two
combined operations of addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division or brackets, always work
the calculation within the brackets first.
2. Then, do the multiplication or division
before the addition or subtraction, working
from left to right.
Worked Example
Simplify
Solution
C) Problem Solving involving any Two
Operations
Worked Example
Mr Lee bought
bought
3 1 litres of orange juice. He
2
9 litre of water melon less than orange juice.
How much fruit juice did he buy altogether?
Worked Example
Fatimah bought 10m of coth. She cut out 3
pieces,
each 2 3 long. Find the length of the remaining
cloth.
4
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10
