Although many amounts are given as decimals there are times when you may need to calculate fractions of a quantity or simple calculations using fractions.

FRACTIONS OF A QUANTITY

EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS

Fractions which are equal are called equivalent fractions

i.e. to write an equivalent fraction multiply the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) by the same number

Fractions can be simplified if the numerator and denominator have a common factor. In its simplest form, the numerator and denominator of a fraction have no common factor other than 1. To write a fraction in its simplest form divide the numerator and the denominator by their highest common factor. This sometimes called cancelling a fraction.

As 3 and 5 have no common factors, other than 1, the fraction is now in its simplest form.