Fractions
Complex Fractions
A complex fraction is a fraction in which the numerator, the denominator, or both contain fractions.
Examples:
We can manipulate complex fraction by converting them to simple fractions. To learn how to simplify complex fractions follow the link below. In order to manipulate, add, subtract, multiply, or divide complex fractions, we must first change them to simple or improper fractions, then use rules for simple and improper fractions
Expressing Complex Fractions as Simple Fractions
Complex fractions can be expressed as simple or improper fractions using division. To change a complex fraction complete the following steps:
Step 1
Rewrite the problem changing the divisor bar to the symbol, รท.Step 2
If one side of the division symbol is a whole number, change it to a fraction by writing the number over one.Step 3
Change the sign to multiplication.Step 4
Take the reciprocal of the second fraction by writing the denominator over the numerator.
Step 5
Multiply across top and bottom.
Change the following complex fractions into simple or mixed fractions.
Reciprocals
The reciprocal of a number is its multiplicative inverse. That is, the product of a number and its reciprocal is 1. For whole numbers and fractions, you find the reciprocal by reversing the numerator and denominator.
For example:
