Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

Fractions, decimals, and percentages are three different ways of representing parts of a whole. In the GL 11+ exam, you need to be able to convert between them, compare them, and perform calculations with each. This lesson covers everything you need to know.

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Understanding Fractions

A fraction has two parts:

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

¾ means "3 out of 4 equal parts."

Types of Fractions

Type	Description	Example
Proper fraction	Numerator < Denominator	3/4
Improper fraction	Numerator ≥ Denominator	7/4
Mixed number	Whole number + proper fraction	1 ¾

Converting Between Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

Mixed to improper: Multiply the whole number by the denominator, then add the numerator.

• 2 ³⁄₅ = (2 × 5 + 3) / 5 = 13/5

Improper to mixed: Divide the numerator by the denominator.

• 17/4 = 17 ÷ 4 = 4 remainder 1 = 4 ¹⁄₄

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Equivalent Fractions