Wiki User
∙ 2016-04-13 00:58:14The fractions are re-scaled so that the denominators are the same and then the numerators are subtracted as required by the signs.
Wiki User
∙ 2017-08-04 17:30:44Thaliek Gilkes
The fraction gets smaller or increases, depending on whether the numerator and denominator are positive or negative.
It is then an improper or 'top heavy' fraction
If the numerator of the fraction is increased and the denominator doesn't change, then the value of the fraction increases.
You will get an equivalent fraction.
You get an equivalent fraction which is not in its reduced (or simplest) form.
The fraction gets smaller or increases, depending on whether the numerator and denominator are positive or negative.
It is then an improper or 'top heavy' fraction
Here is an example. The fraction to simplify is 6/12. See if there is a common factor between the numerator and the denominator. In this case, 3 happens to be a common factor. Divide numerator and denominator by 3. The result is 2/4. See if there are more common factors, and repeat. Dividing numerator and denominator by 2, you get 1/2. You could also have divided numerator and denominator of the original fraction by 6, with the same final result - but sometimes it is easier to do it in parts.
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.
If the numerator of the fraction is increased and the denominator doesn't change, then the value of the fraction increases.
Just multiply straight through. Numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator. a/b * c/d = ac/bd ======
You will get an equivalent fraction.
The result (which should be simplified) is another fraction of some kind: * a proper (or vulgar fraction) with the numerator (top number) less than the denominator (bottom number); * an improper fraction with the numerator greater than the denominator which can be converted into a mixed number; or * an integer (whole number).
Nothing actually happens. You are now in a position where the fractions may be added or subtracted more easily but that is all.
The value of the fraction remains unchanged
You get an equivalent fraction which is not in its reduced (or simplest) form.
You have to double the numerator, but the value of the fraction remians the same but if you dont double the numerator then you dont have the same fraction