Simplify the fraction completely by performing any addition, subtraction or multiplication that is called for in the numerator and the denominator. The numerator is the top portion of the fraction and the denominator is the bottom portion.
For example, to simplify (35 + 18) / (30 - 23), perform the addition called for in the numerator, 53 + 18, and the subtraction called for in the denominator, 30 - 23, to obtain 53/7 as the fraction in simplified form.
Convert the fraction to a decimal either by hand or by using a calculator.
For example, to convert 53/7 into a decimal, divide 53 by seven using a calculator to obtain approximately 7.5714 as the decimal equivalent of 53/7.
Round the decimal portion of your number down to zero if the first two digits after the decimal point are less than or equal to 24.
Round the decimal portion of your number to 0.5 if the first two digits after the decimal point are greater than or equal to 25 and less than or equal to 74.
For example, if your decimal is 7.5714, examine 57, the first two digits after the decimal point. The number 57 is greater than or equal to 25 and less than or equal to 74, so round the decimal, 7.5714, down to 7.5.
Round the decimal portion of your number up to one if the first two digits after the decimal point are greater than or equal to 75 and less than or equal to 99. To round up to one, simply add one to the whole number portion of your number.
If your decimal is 7.8928, for example, examine 89, the first two digits after the decimal point. The number 89 is greater than or equal to 75 and less than or equal to 99, so round the decimal portion of 7.8928 up to one. To do so, add one to seven, the whole number portion of the number, to obtain eight.
Convert your rounded decimal back into a fraction. Multiply your rounded decimal by two and place the result as the numerator in a fraction. Place two as the denominator in the same fraction to obtain your initial fraction rounded to the nearest half.
For example, if your rounded decimal is 7.5, convert 7.5 back into a fraction by multiplying 7.5 by two to obtain 15. Place 15 as the numerator in a fraction and two as the denominator, yielding 15/2 as the final result for your initial fraction rounded to the nearest half.