Key Terms

complex fraction

A complex fraction is a fraction in which the numerator or the denominator contains a fraction.

equivalent fractions

Equivalent fractions are two or more fractions that have the same value.

fraction

A fraction is written $\frac{a}{b}$. In a fraction, $a$ is the numerator and $b$ is the denominator. A fraction represents parts of a whole. The denominator $b$ is the number of equal parts the whole has been divided into, and the numerator $a$ indicates how many parts are included.

least common denominator (LCD)

The least common denominator (LCD) of two fractions is the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators.

mixed number

A mixed number consists of a whole number $a$ and a fraction $\frac{b}{c}$ where $c\ne 0$. It is written as $a\frac{b}{c}$, where $c\ne 0$.

proper and improper fractions

The fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ is proper if $a<b$ and improper if $a\ge b$.

reciprocal

The reciprocal of the fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ is $\frac{b}{a}$ where $a\ne 0$ and $b\ne 0$.

simplified fraction

A fraction is considered simplified if there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator.