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How to Do Compound Fractions

The world is full of numbers. Numbers represent everything from paychecks to populations, from calories to chemical reactions. And their value is in using them by adding, multiplying, subtracting and dividing. If the world were designed for human convenience, all numbers would be nicely-formed whole numbers, but as it is, compound fractions rear their unpleasant heads. Just some simple steps will make those numbers as pretty-as-you-please.

Instructions

    • 1

      Re-write the compound fraction by separating the integer and fractional parts.

      For example, 4 2/3 can be rewritten as 4 + 2/3.

    • 2

      Convert the whole number to a fraction that shares the denominator with the fractional part.

      In the example, the denominator of the fractional part is 3. So you can multiply 4 times 3/3 --- remember, you can multiply any number by 1 and not change its value. 4 * (3/3) is 12/3.

    • 3

      Substitute the new expression for the integer back into the expression for the compound fraction you came up with in Step 1.

      4 + 2/3 = 12/3 + 2/3 = 14/3.

    • 4

      Use the new expression for the compound fraction to add, subtract, divide or multiply.

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