How to Evaluate Fractions
Fractions are simply proportions of a whole. There are two parts to a fraction, a numerator which is the top number, and a denominator which is the bottom number. In mathematics, for a fraction to be expressed in its proper form the numerator must always be smaller than the denominator and each number must not have any common divisors.
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Instructions
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How to evaluate fractions
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Determine whether the numerator or denominator is the largest number. If the number on the bottom is larger, then the fraction is a proper fraction. If the numerator is larger, determine how many times the denominator goes into numerator, and write the number in the front of the new fraction. If there is any left over, keep that number in the numerator. For example 13/12 is an improper fraction because the numerator is larger than the denominator. Twelve goes in to 13 once, so the proper fraction is now 1 1/12 (or one and one-twelfth).
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Once the fraction is in its proper form, make sure there is no common divisor between them. If there is a common divisor, then divide the top and bottom both by that number, which will make each number smaller. For example, 4/6 is a fraction in which both the numerator and denominator are divisible by 2. After dividing both the top and bottom of the fraction by 2, the fraction is in its simplest form which is 2/3.
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When a number is improper and not in its simplest form, make the fraction proper first then simplify. For example 156/144 can first be made into a proper fraction by figuring that 144 goes into 156 once. The new fraction reads 1 12/144. Then simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 12. The proper, simplified fraction is therefore 1 1/12.
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Simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 12. The proper, simplified fraction is therefore 1 1/12.
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