Fractions

Fractions appear frequently on the CSSE maths paper. You need to be comfortable with equivalent fractions, simplifying, comparing, ordering, and performing all four operations with fractions. This lesson will take you through everything you need, step by step.

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What Is a Fraction?

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It has two parts:

• Numerator (top number): how many parts you have
• Denominator (bottom number): how many equal parts the whole is divided into

For example, 3/8 means 3 parts out of 8 equal parts.

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Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions look different but have the same value.

To find an equivalent fraction, multiply (or divide) both the numerator and the denominator by the same number.

Original	× 2	× 3	× 4
1/3	2/6	3/9	4/12
2/5	4/10	6/15	8/20

Key Rule: Whatever you do to the top, you must do to the bottom.

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Simplifying Fractions

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their Highest Common Factor (HCF).

Worked Example

Simplify 18/24.