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Why is it easier to compare fractions with the same rather than denominator?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
If the fractions have different denominators, you need to:
1) Convert to equivalent fractions with a common denominator,
2) Compare the numerators.
If the fractions already have the same denominator, there is no need for the first step - which happens to be the most difficult step.
Note that as a shortcut, you don't need the LEAST common denominator, any denominator can do. Thus, you can just use the product of the two denominators as the common denominator. As a result, to compare the fractions, you simply multiply the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other one, and then compare. However, this is still more work than simply comparing two numbers.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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What is the purpose of using decimals rather than fractions as a whole?
Decimals are easy to compare, add, subtract, multiply, and divide, because they already have a common denominator. You can tell at a glance which is bigger than which. +++ Further the SI, or metric-based, units are based on decimals and powers of 10, so any vulgar fractions in using them arise only when writing real values in a formula.
What is formula of fractions?
n / d = q n = numerator d = denominator q = quotient (or answer) It's probably better to think of a fraction as a form rather than a formula.
Why is it important to write the answer in simplest form?
Because most people find it easier to work with fractions involving small numbers rather than equivalent fractions involving large numbers. They would rather use 1/6 than try to work with 261/1566.
Why use mixed numbers in fractions?
In a practical sense, sometimes it is better to have whole units rather than just pure fractions. it gives a better idea of "how big" is the thing. Having only fractions could be hard to compare (and thus make decisions based on those measurements)
Can you use fractions rather than math?
I am not sure at what you are getting at, but fractions are a math component.
Why is it easier to divide the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor rather than any other factor?
If you divide by the GCF, you will only have to do it once to produce the simplest form.
What is the purpose of using decimals rather than fractions as a whole?
Decimals are easy to compare, add, subtract, multiply, and divide, because they already have a common denominator. You can tell at a glance which is bigger than which. +++ Further the SI, or metric-based, units are based on decimals and powers of 10, so any vulgar fractions in using them arise only when writing real values in a formula.
What is formula of fractions?
n / d = q n = numerator d = denominator q = quotient (or answer) It's probably better to think of a fraction as a form rather than a formula.
Why is it important to write the answer in simplest form?
Because most people find it easier to work with fractions involving small numbers rather than equivalent fractions involving large numbers. They would rather use 1/6 than try to work with 261/1566.
Why use mixed numbers in fractions?
In a practical sense, sometimes it is better to have whole units rather than just pure fractions. it gives a better idea of "how big" is the thing. Having only fractions could be hard to compare (and thus make decisions based on those measurements)
Why is it easier to divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF rather than any other factor?
Actually, it is often easier to divide by factors other than the GCF as they will be smaller numbers. All that dividing by the GCF does is simplify the fraction in one step as opposed to many steps. I often find myself simplifying fractions by dividing by obvious smaller factors which means that when I do have to find a GCF (often to prove the fraction is in simplest form) it will be with smaller numbers as well (which is easier).
Does eight tenths equal two thirds?
No 8/10 is equivalent to 4/5 not 2/3. You can either convert to decimal (divide on a calculator, or just (for these particular fractions) recognize what they are. 8/10 = 0.80000 and 2/3 = 0.66666..... So 8/10 is bigger. To compare them as fractions, you need to find a common denominator, then compare the numerators. If you keep it as 8/10, rather than simplifying first then the common denominator is 30. 8/10 = 24/30 and 2/3 = 20/30, so 24 > 20 and 8/10 is bigger (they are not equal). Or simplify first: 4/5 and 2/3. Common denominator is 15: 4/5 = 12/15, and 2/3 = 10/15. 12 > 10, so 12/15 is bigger (they are not equal).
Can you use fractions rather than math?
I am not sure at what you are getting at, but fractions are a math component.
What is the formula for substracting fractions?
There is actually no specific formula to subtract fractions but rather a method to accomplish this. First you have to obtain a common denominatior between the two fractions in order to subtract. This is easiest when you just multiply the denominators. If you have 1/4 and 1/9 you multiply the denominator to have a common one. This would give us 36. then you would have to multiply the numerators by the number you multiplied the denominator. This means that 1/4 would become 9/36 because you multiplied the bottom by 9 in order to get 36. You can check to see if you did this right by simplifying the fraction and seeing if you got your original fraction. Once you have these new common fractions you simply subtract the numerators and put them over the common denominator. 9/36 - 4/36 = 5/36 which cannot be simplified
Why might a laboratory worker attempting to diagnose a genetic disorder prefer to work with photographs chromosomes rather than the chromosomes themselves?
it is easier to cut and past photographs and compare :)
Why might a laboratory worker attempting to diagnose a genetic disorder prefer to work with photographs of a chromosome rather than the chromosomes themselves?
it is easier to cut and past photographs and compare :)
What are the difference of percentage and fraction?
A fraction can have any non-zero denominator. In a percentage the denominator is 100 and it is implied rather than written out.
