Fraction Navigator Reference Sheet
Fraction Visual Guide
Color Key: TOP (Numerator) BOTTOM (Denominator) WHOLE
1
Same Bottom Numbers
Easy: Bottom Stays!
1
4
1 slice
2
4
2 slices
=
3
4
3 slices!
Add Tops: 1 + 2 = 3
Bottom Stays Same: 4
2
Different Bottom Numbers
Slice to Match!
Start:
1
2
Slices don't match fourths
Cut each in 2!
× 2 × 2
Equivalent:
2
4
Now fourths match!
Now solve: 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4
3
Mixed Numbers
Wholes + Fractions
Adding (Keep Them Separate)
1 1/3 + 2 1/3
Wholes: 1 + 2 = 3
Fractions: 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3
Total = 3 2/3
Regroup: Trade 1 Whole!
Need more fourths? Open 1 whole!
1 Whole
1
Trade
4/4 Slices
\(2\frac{1}{4}\) becomes \(1 + \frac{4}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \mathbf{1\frac{5}{4}}\)
NEVER DO THIS!
\(\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \frac{3}{8}\)
Never add the bottom numbers!
ALWAYS DO THIS!
\(\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{4} = \mathbf{\frac{3}{4}}\)
Bottom number stays the same!
