When it comes to studying math, fractions can be one of the most challenging topics for learners. Especially when dealing with complex fractions, like “What is 6 of 15?” In this article, we will guide you on how to master fractions.
Why learn fractions?
Understanding fractions is essential in day-to-day life. Whether you’re dividing a pizza among friends, calculating the recipe portion for a dish, or measuring your carpentry materials, fractions play a crucial role in making these tasks easy and accurate.
Fractions can seem confusing at first, but once you know how to work with them, they can become your best friend. Here’s how to get started.
What are fractions?
A fraction is a part of a whole value that is typically represented in mathematical terms by dividing the numerator by the denominator separated by a slash. The numerator represents the number of parts you have, while the denominator represents the total number of parts that make up a whole.
Types of Fractions
Fractions can be classified into different types based on their values and how they are written. These include:
- Proper Fractions
- Improper Fractions
- Mixed Fractions
- Equivalent Fractions
- Unit Fractions
- Decimal Fractions
What is meant by 6 of 15?
6 of 15 is a fraction that represents six parts of a whole value that is divided into fifteen equal parts.
When calculating fractions, it is essential to remember their representation, which parts are being represented, and the total number of parts they represent.
Converting 6 of 15 to a Decimal
To convert 6 of 15 to a decimal, you can use the following formula:
Decimal = numerator ÷ denominator
In this case, the numerator is 6, and the denominator is 15. So, 6 ÷ 15 = 0.40 (rounded to two decimal places).
How to Simplify Fractions
Mathematicians can simplify fractions to make them easier to work with by reducing all numbers belonging to the fraction to their lowest possible values.
Finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
The greatest common factor is the largest possible number that can divide two or more values without leaving any remainder that suits them.
To find the GCF of 6 and 15:
- List down all the factors of the two numbers, 6 and 15:
- For 6: 1, 2, 3, 6
- For 15: 1, 3, 5, 15
- Identify the common factors in both lists; in this case, the number 3.
- The GCF of 6 and 15 is 3.
To simplify 6 of 15, divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCF, which is 3. The result is 2/5.
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
To add and subtract fractions, the denominators must be equal. If they are not, you will have to convert them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator.
Converting Fractions to Equivalent Fractions
To convert fractions to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, follow these steps:
- Determine the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. The LCM of 3 and 5 is 15.
- Multiply both the numerator and denominator of each fraction with its respective missing factor to obtain fractions with the LCM denominator.
- Add or subtract the fractions accordingly.
- Simplify the fraction if necessary.
Multiplying fractions
To multiply fractions, multiply the two numerators separately and then multiply the two denominators. The result is your new fraction.
Multiplying 6 of 15 with 2 of 7
To multiply 6 of 15 with 2 of 7, follow these steps:
- Multiply the two numerators: 6 x 2 = 12.
- Multiply the two denominators: 15 x 7 = 105.
- The answer is 12 of 105.
Dividing Fractions
Dividing fractions is the same as multiplying them, but you must first flip the second fraction before multiplying them. This means that you switch the numerator and denominator of the second fraction.
Dividing 6 of 15 with 2 of 7
To divide 6 of 15 with 2 of 7, follow these steps:
- Flip the second fraction: 2 of 7 becomes 7 of 2
- Multiply the first and second fractions: 6 of 15 x 7 of 2 = 42 of 30.
- Simplify the fraction: 42 of 30 = 7 of 5.
Summary
Fractions are an essential part of math that is commonly used in everyday life. To master fractions, you must first understand their representation, types, and how to work with them. You can simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions once you have mastered these basics.
Common Questions and Answers
Q. What is a fraction?
A fraction is a part of a whole value that is typically represented in mathematical terms by dividing the numerator by the denominator separated by a slash.
Q. How do you convert fractions to decimals?
To convert fractions to decimals, divide the numerator by the denominator.
Q. What is the greatest common factor?
The greatest common factor is the largest possible number that can divide two or more values without leaving any remainder that suits them.
Q. How do you simplify fractions?
To simplify fractions, find the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator and divide both of the by that number.
Q. Can you add and subtract fractions?
Yes, you can add and subtract fractions, but the denominators must be equal.
Q. How do you multiply fractions?
To multiply fractions, multiply the two numerators together and the two denominators together.
Q. How do you divide fractions?
To divide fractions, flip the second fraction’s numerator and denominator and then multiply the first fraction with the newly flipped second fraction.
References
- Math is Fun. (2021). Fractions. Math is Fun. https://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions-menu.html
- Khan Academy. (2021). Adding fractions with unlike denominators. Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fraction-arithmetic/arith-review-add-sub-fractions/e/adding_fractions
- TutorVista. (2021). Multiplying fractions. TutorVista. https://www.tutorvista.com/math/multiply-fractions
- Mathematics. (2021). Dividing fractions. Mathematics. https://www.mathsisfun.com/dividing-fractions.html