Calculations can be carried out using fractions of shapes and quantities. Mixed fractions can be added or subtracted to find the number of fractional parts in a mixed number.
Part ofApplications of MathsNumeracy skills
Sometimes you can divide the top and bottom of a fraction by the same number. This is called cancelling down.
It is also called simplifying the fraction. You often have to write a fraction in its simplest terms.
This means that you have to cancel it down until it cannot be cancelled down any more.
Write this fraction in its simplest form: \(\frac{{12}}{{16}}\)
Divide by \(4\).
You can do this in two stages.
Dividing top and bottom by \(2\) gives you \(\frac{6}{8}\).
Then dividing top and bottom by \(2\) again, you get \(\frac{3}{4}\).
When you have worked out a fraction question, you should always cancel down the answer.
