ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the concept of a fraction as a "part of a whole." Fractions can represent a relationship of one number to another, such as fractions that represent ratios, or fractions that represent rates. The denominator of a fraction gives the name of the fraction. The top of the fraction, the numerator, indicates the number of equal parts that are of interest, as illustrated by the bold or shaded portions of the figures to the right. The lowest common denominator (LCD) represents the new denominator. All the fractions in the given problem are then converted to fractions with the same denominator-the LCD. Combined calculations are simply several calculations in one problem. Simplifying the numerator represents one calculation, simplifying the denominator represents another calculation, and completing the final calculation after restating the problem represents a third calculation-all in the same problem.
