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How to Find a Fraction Easily with Clear Steps

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How to Find a Fraction Using Formula and Solved Examples

Suppose you and your friends went for a dinner party, after eating the waiter comes with a single bill for everyone and now you want to know the amount that had to be paid by each of your friends, but you find it confusing that how would you calculate the amount so you paid the bill and came home. Then you asked your brother about it and then he told you that it’s all a “fraction”, and now you are curious!! , what is a fraction, “ A fraction is a portion or a part of a whole thing”. If anything as a whole is divided into equal parts then every part is a portion and hence, a fraction.


Now you are curious about the next time when you will go to have dinner and be able to divide the bill equally through “fractions”. In this article, we will learn all about fractions in detail.


Finding the Fractions

To find a fraction of a whole number, we multiply the numerator of the fraction by the provided number and then divide the product by the denominator of the fraction.

For example: $\dfrac{1}{2}, \dfrac{2}{3}, \dfrac{6}{8}$


Fraction Formula

The fraction formula is helpful in executing a number of operations on fractions . When it comes to fractions the basic arithmetic operations are different from those of normal integers.


Fraction representation


Fraction representation


Formula 1

A fraction associated with a whole number is known as a “mixed fraction” . Then the mixed fraction is converted into an “improper fraction” , how?? , by multiplying the denominator of the fraction with the whole number and adding it to the numerator of the fraction , to form the numerator of the improper fraction.

$A\dfrac{b}{c} = \dfrac{Ac + b}{c}$

Formula 2

The addition of the fractions is quite easy when in the given fractions the denominators are the same , numerators are simply added and the denominator of the answer is equal to the denominators of the given fractions.

$\dfrac{a}{b} + \dfrac{c}{b} = \dfrac{a + c}{b}$

Formula 3

When there are unlike fractions, suitable constant numbers are multiplied to both fractions to make the denominators same and then use ‘formula 2’ , in which simply add the numerators and the denominators remain the same.

$\dfrac{a}{b} + \dfrac{c}{d} = \dfrac{a.d}{bd} + \dfrac{c.b}{db}$

Formula 4

Multiplication in fractions is simply done by multiplying numerators together and then the denominators of both the given fractions. The answer is a single fraction which is further simplified if needed.

$\dfrac{a}{b} . \dfrac{c}{d} = \dfrac{ac}{bd}$

Formula 5

Division of fractions is simplified by reciprocation of numerator and the denominator of the given number and the desired result is achieved by multiplying numerators together and then denominators together.

$\dfrac{\dfrac{a}{b}}{\dfrac{d}{c}}=\dfrac{a}{b} \cdot \dfrac{c}{d}=\dfrac{a c}{b d}$

Fraction to Whole Number

A fraction can be written into a whole number when you divide the numerator by the denominator of the given fraction only if, the numerator is a multiple of the denominator

For example: convert $\dfrac{8}{2}$ into a whole number

$\mathrm{So}, \dfrac{8}{2}=4$

(as ' 8 ' is a multiple of ' 2 ' )

Hence, to convert a fraction to a whole number, divide the numerator by the denominator only if , numerator is a multiple of the denominator.


Dividing Whole Numbers by Fractions

What do we have to do when we divide whole numbers by fractions? when dividing a whole number by a fraction, we find how many numbers of parts can be fitted in a whole.

The most easy method for dividing a whole number by a given fraction is multiplication of the given whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction.

For example, if we have to calculate $7 \div \dfrac{3}{5}$

Step 1:

We will represent 7 as $\dfrac{7}{1}$

Step 2

Now , we will reciprocate the given fraction that means,

the reciprocal of $\dfrac{3}{5}$ will be $\dfrac{5}{3}$

Step 3: Now , we have both the fractions we need which are,

For example, $\dfrac{7}{1} \times \dfrac{5}{3}=\dfrac{35}{3}$

Solved examples

Q 1.Rani took 8 apples from the bucket of 24 apples. Find the fraction of apples taken by theRani?

Ans: The fraction of apples taken by Divya = $\dfrac{8}{24}$ and its simplest form is $\dfrac{1}{3}$.


Q2. Sahana bought $\dfrac{1}{4}$ kg of apples and $\dfrac{1}{2}$ kg oranges from the shop. Total how many fruits she bought?

Ans: The total fruits bought by Sahana= $\dfrac{1}{4}$ +$\dfrac{1}{2}$ = $\dfrac{1+2}{4}$ = $\dfrac{3}{4}$


Practice Questions

Q 1. Write $\dfrac{18}{30}$ in the simplest form. (Ans: $\dfrac{3}{5}$ )

Q 2. Find the simplest form of $\dfrac{53}{8}$? , and write in mixed fraction form if needed. (Ans: $6 \dfrac{5}{8}$)


Summary

In this article, we learn about what fractions are, how often we use them in our real life and how interesting they are!!!! . We also learned about how we can handle and operate in fractions and perform arithmetic operations. Fractions are a very interesting and recurring part of our life. Then we got to know how to convert a fraction into a whole number and vice-versa, along with that we also threw light on how to divide whole numbers by fractions and then how to simplify them further. After completing the article, make sure to understand the solved examples, solve the practice questions and keep FAQs on your tips for better results in an understanding of the concept.

FAQs on How to Find a Fraction Easily with Clear Steps

1. What is a fraction in Maths?

A fraction is a number that represents a part of a whole and is written in the form a/b, where a is the numerator and b is the denominator (b ≠ 0).

  • The numerator shows how many parts are taken.
  • The denominator shows the total equal parts.
  • Example: In 3/4, 3 parts are taken out of 4 equal parts.
This concept is fundamental when learning how to find fraction values in different problems.

2. How do you find a fraction of a number?

To find a fraction of a number, multiply the number by the fraction.

  • Step 1: Write the problem, e.g., find 2/5 of 20.
  • Step 2: Multiply: 2/5 × 20.
  • Step 3: Simplify: 20 ÷ 5 = 4, then 4 × 2 = 8.
So, 2/5 of 20 = 8. This method is used to calculate fractions of quantities in Maths.

3. What is the formula to calculate a fraction of a quantity?

The formula to calculate a fraction of a quantity is (a/b) × N, where a/b is the fraction and N is the number.

  • Multiply the numerator by the number.
  • Divide the result by the denominator.
  • Example: 3/4 of 16 = (3 × 16) ÷ 4 = 48 ÷ 4 = 12.
This formula helps in solving problems related to fractions quickly and accurately.

4. How do you find an equivalent fraction?

An equivalent fraction is found by multiplying or dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number.

  • Example: To find an equivalent fraction of 1/2, multiply by 2.
  • (1 × 2)/(2 × 2) = 2/4.
  • Both 1/2 and 2/4 represent the same value.
Equivalent fractions are important when comparing or simplifying fractions.

5. How do you simplify a fraction?

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

  • Example: Simplify 12/18.
  • GCD of 12 and 18 is 6.
  • Divide both by 6: 12 ÷ 6 = 2 and 18 ÷ 6 = 3.
The simplified fraction is 2/3. This process is also called reducing a fraction to its lowest terms.

6. How do you convert a fraction to a decimal?

To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator.

  • Example: Convert 3/4 to decimal.
  • 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75.
This method works for both proper and improper fractions and helps in comparing fraction values easily.

7. How do you convert a decimal to a fraction?

To convert a decimal to a fraction, write it over 1 and multiply by a power of 10 to remove the decimal point, then simplify.

  • Example: Convert 0.6 to a fraction.
  • 0.6 = 6/10.
  • Simplify 6/10 by dividing by 2.
The fraction becomes 3/5. This method is useful in reversing decimal calculations.

8. How do you find a fraction between two fractions?

A fraction between two fractions can be found by making the denominators the same or by averaging them.

  • Example: Find a fraction between 1/4 and 3/4.
  • Add them: 1/4 + 3/4 = 4/4.
  • Divide by 2: 4/4 ÷ 2 = 2/4 = 1/2.
So, 1/2 lies between 1/4 and 3/4.

9. How do you find the reciprocal of a fraction?

The reciprocal of a fraction is found by swapping its numerator and denominator.

  • Example: The reciprocal of 5/7 is 7/5.
  • If the fraction is a whole number like 4, write it as 4/1.
  • The reciprocal of 4/1 is 1/4.
Reciprocals are commonly used in division of fractions.

10. How do you find the sum of two fractions?

To find the sum of two fractions, make the denominators the same and then add the numerators.

  • Example: Add 1/3 + 1/6.
  • LCM of 3 and 6 is 6.
  • Convert: 1/3 = 2/6.
  • Add: 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6.
  • Simplify: 3/6 = 1/2.
This method is essential when learning how to calculate fractions correctly.