Fractions can be thought of as another way of seeing division. If you have one whole pizza and two people want to share it equally, they will divide it into two halves:

The greatest common factor is the largest factor that divides two numbers. We find this by figuring out what prime numbers are multiplied together to make up each number. A prime number is a number that can only be divided by itself or by one. Examples of prime numbers are 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, etc. We want to focus on those that are less than ten in most cases. 

 

Multiplying fractions is fairly simple. You may want to put each fraction in its lowest terms to start. Then multiply the numerators to get a numerator and multiply the denominators to get a new denominator. And reduce or simplify the fraction to put it in its lowest terms. If you are multiplying a fraction by an integer, put the integer over one to make a fraction of it.

Examples:

Five times 4/5: Put the five over one, then multiply 5 x 4 to get 20 and 1 x 5 to get 5. Twenty can be divided evenly by 5 to give us an answer of 4.

Adding two fractions of the same sign (either positive or negative) gives an answer with the same sign. You may need to give the fractions common denominators first. 

 

Are you looking for more help with fractions?  Check out this article on how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions. Also consider taking an online course in basic math or pre-algebra to brush up your math skills.