Wood Technology & Processes

Self-Check Math Quizzes : Self-Check Math Quizzes

Math Activity 2

Fractions

Fractions express parts of a whole number. A fraction is made up of a numerator and a denominator. The numerator is the number above the line and tells how many parts. The denominator is below the line and tells how many parts are in the whole.

Three types of fractions are proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. In a proper fraction, such as 3/4, the numerator is smaller that the denominator. In an improper fraction, such as 2/2 or 7/2, the numerator is the same or larger than the denominator. A mixed number has a whole number and any type of fraction. An example is 3 1/2.

Woodworkers measure and lay out materials using all of these fractions. Improper fractions are usually converted to proper fractions or mixed numbers. Woodworkers use fractions when measuring the thickness of materials and the depth of mortises.

Terms, Symbols, & Abbreviations
fraction—a portion of the whole
numerator—top number in a fraction
denominator—bottom number in a fraction
proper fraction—numerator is less than denominator
improper fraction—numerator equals the denominator,
or numerator is greater than denominator
mixed number—whole number and fraction


Practice Exercise

Convert the improper fraction to a mixed number.

Step 1Divide the numerator by the denominator.
5 ÷ 4 = 1, with 1/4 remainder
Step 2The answer is 1 1/4.

Problem Exercises

1.

The improper fraction 9/2 is the same as
A)2/9
B)4
C)4 1/2
D)9 1/2
2.

11/4 is the same as
A)11 1/4
B)2 3/4
C)2/4
D)2
3.

30/8 is the same as
A)3
B)2 3/4
C)3 1/4
D)3 3/4

Practice Exercise

Convert the mixed number 3 1/2 to an improper fraction.

Step 1Multiply the whole number (3) by the denominator in the fraction (2).
3 x 2 = 6
Step 2Add the numerator (1) to the result (6).
1 + 6 = 7
Step 3Place this number (7) over the denominator (2).

Problem Exercises

4.

The mixed number 2 3/4 is the same as
A)6/4
B)11/4
C)8/3
D)11/3
5.

The mixed number 5 3/8 is the same as
A)43/8
B)53/8
C)40/8
D)15/8
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