Multiplication and division of simple fractions examples. Tasks for updating knowledge. Multiplication and division of fractions

Last time we learned how to add and subtract fractions (see the lesson "Addition and subtraction of fractions"). The most difficult moment in those actions was bringing fractions to a common denominator.

Now it's time to deal with multiplication and division. The good news is that these operations are even easier than addition and subtraction. To begin with, consider the simplest case, when there are two positive fractions without a distinguished integer part.

To multiply two fractions, you need to multiply their numerators and denominators separately. The first number will be the numerator of the new fraction, and the second will be the denominator.

To divide two fractions, you need to multiply the first fraction by the "inverted" second.

Designation:

From the definition it follows that the division of fractions is reduced to multiplication. To flip a fraction, just swap the numerator and denominator. Therefore, the entire lesson we will consider mainly multiplication.

As a result of multiplication, a reduced fraction can arise (and often does arise) - of course, it must be reduced. If, after all the reductions, the fraction turned out to be incorrect, the whole part should be distinguished in it. But what exactly will not happen with multiplication is reduction to a common denominator: no crosswise methods, maximum factors and least common multiples.

By definition we have:

Multiplication of fractions with an integer part and negative fractions

If there is an integer part in the fractions, they must be converted to improper ones - and only then multiplied according to the schemes outlined above.

If there is a minus in the numerator of a fraction, in the denominator or in front of it, it can be taken out of the limits of multiplication or removed altogether according to the following rules:

  1. Plus times minus gives minus;
  2. Two negatives make an affirmative.

Until now, these rules have only been encountered when adding and subtracting negative fractions, when it was required to get rid of the whole part. For a product, they can be generalized in order to “burn” several minuses at once:

  1. We cross out the minuses in pairs until they completely disappear. In an extreme case, one minus can survive - the one that did not find a match;
  2. If there are no minuses left, the operation is completed - you can start multiplying. If the last minus is not crossed out, since it did not find a pair, we take it out of the limits of multiplication. You get a negative fraction.

A task. Find the value of the expression:

We translate all fractions into improper ones, and then we take out the minuses outside the limits of multiplication. What remains is multiplied according to the usual rules. We get:

Let me remind you once again that the minus that comes before a fraction with a highlighted integer part refers specifically to the entire fraction, and not just to its integer part (this applies to the last two examples).

Also pay attention to negative numbers: When multiplied, they are enclosed in parentheses. This is done in order to separate the minuses from the multiplication signs and make the whole notation more accurate.

Reducing fractions on the fly

Multiplication is a very laborious operation. The numbers here are quite large, and to simplify the task, you can try to reduce the fraction even more before multiplication. Indeed, in essence, the numerators and denominators of fractions are ordinary factors, and, therefore, they can be reduced using the basic property of a fraction. Take a look at the examples:

A task. Find the value of the expression:

By definition we have:

In all examples, the numbers that have been reduced and what is left of them are marked in red.

Please note: in the first case, the multipliers were reduced completely. Units remained in their place, which, generally speaking, can be omitted. In the second example, it was not possible to achieve a complete reduction, but the total amount of calculations still decreased.

However, in no case do not use this technique when adding and subtracting fractions! Yes, sometimes there are similar numbers that you just want to reduce. Here, look:

You can't do that!

The error occurs due to the fact that when adding a fraction, the sum appears in the numerator of a fraction, and not the product of numbers. Therefore, it is impossible to apply the main property of a fraction, since this property deals specifically with the multiplication of numbers.

There is simply no other reason to reduce fractions, so the right decision the previous task looks like this:

The right decision:

As you can see, the correct answer turned out to be not so beautiful. In general, be careful.

Lesson content

Adding fractions with the same denominators

Adding fractions is of two types:

  1. Adding fractions with the same denominators
  2. Adding fractions with different denominators

Let's start with adding fractions with the same denominators. Everything is simple here. To add fractions with the same denominators, you need to add their numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged. For example, let's add the fractions and . We add the numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into four parts. If you add pizza to pizza, you get pizza:

Example 2 Add fractions and .

The answer is an improper fraction. If the end of the task comes, then it is customary to get rid of improper fractions. To get rid of an improper fraction, you need to select the whole part in it. In our case, the integer part is allocated easily - two divided by two is equal to one:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into two parts. If you add more pizzas to the pizza, you get one whole pizza:

Example 3. Add fractions and .

Again, add the numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into three parts. If you add more pizzas to pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 4 Find the value of an expression

This example is solved in exactly the same way as the previous ones. The numerators must be added and the denominator left unchanged:

Let's try to depict our solution using a picture. If you add pizzas to a pizza and add more pizzas, you get 1 whole pizza and more pizzas.

As you can see, adding fractions with the same denominators is not difficult. It is enough to understand the following rules:

  1. To add fractions with the same denominator, you need to add their numerators, and leave the denominator unchanged;

Adding fractions with different denominators

Now we will learn how to add fractions with different denominators. When adding fractions, the denominators of those fractions must be the same. But they are not always the same.

For example, fractions can be added because they have the same denominators.

But fractions cannot be added at once, because these fractions have different denominators. In such cases, fractions must be reduced to the same (common) denominator.

There are several ways to reduce fractions to the same denominator. Today we will consider only one of them, since the rest of the methods may seem complicated for a beginner.

The essence of this method lies in the fact that first (LCM) of the denominators of both fractions is sought. Then the LCM is divided by the denominator of the first fraction and the first additional factor is obtained. They do the same with the second fraction - the NOC is divided by the denominator of the second fraction and the second additional factor is obtained.

Then the numerators and denominators of the fractions are multiplied by their additional factors. As a result of these actions, fractions that had different denominators turn into fractions that have the same denominators. And we already know how to add such fractions.

Example 1. Add fractions and

First of all, we find the least common multiple of the denominators of both fractions. The denominator of the first fraction is the number 3, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 2. The least common multiple of these numbers is 6

LCM (2 and 3) = 6

Now back to fractions and . First, we divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction and get the first additional factor. LCM is the number 6, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 3. Divide 6 by 3, we get 2.

The resulting number 2 is the first additional factor. We write it down to the first fraction. To do this, we make a small oblique line above the fraction and write down the found additional factor above it:

We do the same with the second fraction. We divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction and get the second additional factor. LCM is the number 6, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 2. Divide 6 by 2, we get 3.

The resulting number 3 is the second additional factor. We write it to the second fraction. Again, we make a small oblique line above the second fraction and write the found additional factor above it:

Now we are all set to add. It remains to multiply the numerators and denominators of fractions by their additional factors:

Look closely at what we have come to. We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same denominators. And we already know how to add such fractions. Let's complete this example to the end:

Thus the example ends. To add it turns out.

Let's try to depict our solution using a picture. If you add pizzas to a pizza, you get one whole pizza and another sixth of a pizza:

Reduction of fractions to the same (common) denominator can also be depicted using a picture. Bringing the fractions and to a common denominator, we get the fractions and . These two fractions will be represented by the same slices of pizzas. The only difference will be that this time they will be divided into equal shares (reduced to the same denominator).

The first drawing shows a fraction (four pieces out of six) and the second picture shows a fraction (three pieces out of six). Putting these pieces together we get (seven pieces out of six). This fraction is incorrect, so we have highlighted the integer part in it. The result was (one whole pizza and another sixth pizza).

Note that we have painted given example too detailed. AT educational institutions it is not customary to write in such a detailed manner. You need to be able to quickly find the LCM of both denominators and additional factors to them, as well as quickly multiply the additional factors found by your numerators and denominators. While at school, we would have to write this example as follows:

But there is also the other side of the coin. If detailed notes are not made at the first stages of studying mathematics, then questions of the kind “Where does that number come from?”, “Why do fractions suddenly turn into completely different fractions? «.

To make it easier to add fractions with different denominators, you can use the following step-by-step instructions:

  1. Find the LCM of the denominators of fractions;
  2. Divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction and get an additional multiplier for each fraction;
  3. Multiply the numerators and denominators of fractions by their additional factors;
  4. Add fractions that have the same denominators;
  5. If the answer turned out to be an improper fraction, then select its whole part;

Example 2 Find the value of an expression .

Let's use the instructions above.

Step 1. Find the LCM of the denominators of fractions

Find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. The denominators of the fractions are the numbers 2, 3 and 4

Step 2. Divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction and get an additional multiplier for each fraction

Divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 2. Divide 12 by 2, we get 6. We got the first additional factor 6. We write it over the first fraction:

Now we divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 3. Divide 12 by 3, we get 4. We got the second additional factor 4. We write it over the second fraction:

Now we divide the LCM by the denominator of the third fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the third fraction is the number 4. Divide 12 by 4, we get 3. We got the third additional factor 3. We write it over the third fraction:

Step 3. Multiply the numerators and denominators of fractions by your additional factors

We multiply the numerators and denominators by our additional factors:

Step 4. Add fractions that have the same denominators

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that have the same (common) denominators. It remains to add these fractions. Add up:

The addition didn't fit on one line, so we moved the remaining expression to the next line. This is allowed in mathematics. When an expression does not fit on one line, it is carried over to the next line, and it is necessary to put an equal sign (=) at the end of the first line and at the beginning new line. The equal sign on the second line indicates that this is a continuation of the expression that was on the first line.

Step 5. If the answer turned out to be an improper fraction, then select the whole part in it

Our answer is an improper fraction. We must single out the whole part of it. We highlight:

Got an answer

Subtraction of fractions with the same denominators

There are two types of fraction subtraction:

  1. Subtraction of fractions with the same denominators
  2. Subtraction of fractions with different denominators

First, let's learn how to subtract fractions with the same denominators. Everything is simple here. To subtract another from one fraction, you need to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator the same.

For example, let's find the value of the expression . To solve this example, it is necessary to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged. Let's do this:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into four parts. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 2 Find the value of the expression .

Again, from the numerator of the first fraction, subtract the numerator of the second fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged:

This example can be easily understood if we think of a pizza that is divided into three parts. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas:

Example 3 Find the value of an expression

This example is solved in exactly the same way as the previous ones. From the numerator of the first fraction, you need to subtract the numerators of the remaining fractions:

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in subtracting fractions with the same denominators. It is enough to understand the following rules:

  1. To subtract another from one fraction, you need to subtract the numerator of the second fraction from the numerator of the first fraction, and leave the denominator unchanged;
  2. If the answer turned out to be an improper fraction, then you need to select the whole part in it.

Subtraction of fractions with different denominators

For example, a fraction can be subtracted from a fraction, since these fractions have the same denominators. But a fraction cannot be subtracted from a fraction, because these fractions have different denominators. In such cases, fractions must be reduced to the same (common) denominator.

The common denominator is found according to the same principle that we used when adding fractions with different denominators. First of all, find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. Then the LCM is divided by the denominator of the first fraction and the first additional factor is obtained, which is written over the first fraction. Similarly, the LCM is divided by the denominator of the second fraction and a second additional factor is obtained, which is written over the second fraction.

The fractions are then multiplied by their additional factors. As a result of these operations, fractions that had different denominators turn into fractions that have the same denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions.

Example 1 Find the value of an expression:

These fractions have different denominators, so you need to bring them to the same (common) denominator.

First, we find the LCM of the denominators of both fractions. The denominator of the first fraction is 3, and the denominator of the second fraction is 4. The least common multiple of these numbers is 12

LCM (3 and 4) = 12

Now back to fractions and

Let's find an additional factor for the first fraction. To do this, we divide the LCM by the denominator of the first fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 3. Divide 12 by 3, we get 4. We write the four over the first fraction:

We do the same with the second fraction. We divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 12, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 4. Divide 12 by 4, we get 3. Write a triple over the second fraction:

Now we are all set for subtraction. It remains to multiply the fractions by their additional factors:

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that had the same denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions. Let's complete this example to the end:

Got an answer

Let's try to depict our solution using a picture. If you cut pizzas from a pizza, you get pizzas.

This is the detailed version of the solution. Being at school, we would have to solve this example in a shorter way. Such a solution would look like this:

Reduction of fractions and to a common denominator can also be depicted using a picture. Bringing these fractions to a common denominator, we get the fractions and . These fractions will be represented by the same pizza slices, but this time they will be divided into the same fractions (reduced to the same denominator):

The first picture shows a fraction (eight pieces out of twelve), and the second picture shows a fraction (three pieces out of twelve). By cutting off three pieces from eight pieces, we get five pieces out of twelve. The fraction describes these five pieces.

Example 2 Find the value of an expression

These fractions have different denominators, so you first need to bring them to the same (common) denominator.

Find the LCM of the denominators of these fractions.

The denominators of the fractions are the numbers 10, 3 and 5. The least common multiple of these numbers is 30

LCM(10, 3, 5) = 30

Now we find additional factors for each fraction. To do this, we divide the LCM by the denominator of each fraction.

Let's find an additional factor for the first fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the first fraction is the number 10. Divide 30 by 10, we get the first additional factor 3. We write it over the first fraction:

Now we find an additional factor for the second fraction. Divide the LCM by the denominator of the second fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the second fraction is the number 3. Divide 30 by 3, we get the second additional factor 10. We write it over the second fraction:

Now we find an additional factor for the third fraction. Divide the LCM by the denominator of the third fraction. LCM is the number 30, and the denominator of the third fraction is the number 5. Divide 30 by 5, we get the third additional factor 6. We write it over the third fraction:

Now everything is ready for subtraction. It remains to multiply the fractions by their additional factors:

We came to the conclusion that fractions that had different denominators turned into fractions that have the same (common) denominators. And we already know how to subtract such fractions. Let's finish this example.

The continuation of the example will not fit on one line, so we move the continuation to the next line. Don't forget about the equal sign (=) on the new line:

The answer turned out to be a correct fraction, and everything seems to suit us, but it is too cumbersome and ugly. We should make it easier. What can be done? You can reduce this fraction.

To reduce a fraction, you need to divide its numerator and denominator by (gcd) the numbers 20 and 30.

So, we find the GCD of the numbers 20 and 30:

Now we return to our example and divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the found GCD, that is, by 10

Got an answer

Multiplying a fraction by a number

To multiply a fraction by a number, you need to multiply the numerator of the given fraction by this number, and leave the denominator the same.

Example 1. Multiply the fraction by the number 1.

Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the number 1

The entry can be understood as taking half 1 time. For example, if you take pizza 1 time, you get pizza

From the laws of multiplication, we know that if the multiplicand and the multiplier are interchanged, then the product will not change. If the expression is written as , then the product will still be equal to . Again, the rule for multiplying an integer and a fraction works:

This entry can be understood as taking half of the unit. For example, if there is 1 whole pizza and we take half of it, then we will have pizza:

Example 2. Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the fraction by 4

The answer is an improper fraction. Let's take a whole part of it:

The expression can be understood as taking two quarters 4 times. For example, if you take pizzas 4 times, you get two whole pizzas.

And if we swap the multiplicand and the multiplier in places, we get the expression. It will also be equal to 2. This expression can be understood as taking two pizzas from four whole pizzas:

Multiplication of fractions

To multiply fractions, you need to multiply their numerators and denominators. If the answer is an improper fraction, you need to select the whole part in it.

Example 1 Find the value of the expression .

Got an answer. It is desirable to reduce given fraction. The fraction can be reduced by 2. Then the final solution will take the following form:

The expression can be understood as taking a pizza from half a pizza. Let's say we have half a pizza:

How to take two-thirds from this half? First you need to divide this half into three equal parts:

And take two from these three pieces:

We'll get pizza. Remember what a pizza looks like divided into three parts:

One slice from this pizza and the two slices we took will have the same dimensions:

In other words, we are talking about the same pizza size. Therefore, the value of the expression is

Example 2. Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction:

The answer is an improper fraction. Let's take a whole part of it:

Example 3 Find the value of an expression

Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction:

The answer turned out to be a correct fraction, but it will be good if it is reduced. To reduce this fraction, you need to divide the numerator and denominator of this fraction by the largest common divisor(gcd) numbers 105 and 450.

So, let's find the GCD of the numbers 105 and 450:

Now we divide the numerator and denominator of our answer to the GCD that we have now found, that is, by 15

Representing an integer as a fraction

Any whole number can be represented as a fraction. For example, the number 5 can be represented as . From this, the five will not change its meaning, since the expression means “the number five divided by one”, and this, as you know, is equal to five:

Reverse numbers

Now we will get acquainted with a very interesting topic in mathematics. It's called "reverse numbers".

Definition. Reverse to numbera is the number that, when multiplied bya gives a unit.

Let's substitute in this definition instead of a variable a number 5 and try to read the definition:

Reverse to number 5 is the number that, when multiplied by 5 gives a unit.

Is it possible to find a number that, when multiplied by 5, gives one? It turns out you can. Let's represent five as a fraction:

Then multiply this fraction by itself, just swap the numerator and denominator. In other words, let's multiply the fraction by itself, only inverted:

What will be the result of this? If we continue to solve this example, we get one:

This means that the inverse of the number 5 is the number, since when 5 is multiplied by one, one is obtained.

The reciprocal can also be found for any other integer.

You can also find the reciprocal for any other fraction. To do this, it is enough to turn it over.

Division of a fraction by a number

Let's say we have half a pizza:

Let's divide it equally between two. How many pizzas will each get?

It can be seen that after splitting half of the pizza, two equal slices were obtained, each of which makes up a pizza. So everyone gets a pizza.

Division of fractions is done using reciprocals. Reciprocals allow you to replace division with multiplication.

To divide a fraction by a number, you need to multiply this fraction by the reciprocal of the divisor.

Using this rule, we will write down the division of our half of the pizza into two parts.

So, you need to divide the fraction by the number 2. Here the dividend is a fraction and the divisor is 2.

To divide a fraction by the number 2, you need to multiply this fraction by the reciprocal of the divisor 2. The reciprocal of the divisor 2 is a fraction. So you need to multiply by

A fraction is one or more parts of a whole, which is usually taken as a unit (1). As with natural numbers, you can perform all basic arithmetic operations with fractions (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication), for this you need to know the features of working with fractions and distinguish between their types. There are several types of fractions: decimal and ordinary, or simple. Each type of fractions has its own specifics, but once you have thoroughly figured out how to deal with them once, you will be able to solve any examples with fractions, since you will know the basic principles for performing arithmetic calculations with fractions. Let's look at examples of how to divide a fraction by an integer using different types of fractions.

How to divide a simple fraction by natural number?
Ordinary or simple fractions are called, written in the form of such a ratio of numbers, in which the dividend (numerator) is indicated at the top of the fraction, and the divisor (denominator) of the fraction is indicated below. How to divide such a fraction by an integer? Let's look at an example! Let's say we need to divide 8/12 by 2.


To do this, we must perform a series of actions:
Thus, if we are faced with the task of dividing a fraction by an integer, the solution scheme will look something like this:


Similarly, you can divide any ordinary (simple) fraction by an integer.

How to divide a decimal by an integer?
A decimal fraction is a fraction that is obtained by dividing a unit into ten, a thousand, and so on parts. Arithmetic operations with decimal fractions are quite simple.

Consider an example of how to divide a fraction by an integer. Let's say we need to divide the decimal fraction 0.925 by the natural number 5.


Summing up, let's focus on two main points that are important when performing the operation of dividing decimal fractions by an integer:
  • to separate decimal fraction division into a column is applied to a natural number;
  • a comma is placed in the private when the division of the integer part of the dividend is completed.
Applying these simple rules, you can always easily divide any decimal or simple fraction by an integer.

Multiplication and division of fractions.

Attention!
There are additional
material in Special Section 555.
For those who strongly "not very..."
And for those who "very much...")

This operation is much nicer than addition-subtraction! Because it's easier. I remind you: to multiply a fraction by a fraction, you need to multiply the numerators (this will be the numerator of the result) and the denominators (this will be the denominator). That is:

For example:

Everything is extremely simple. And please don't look for a common denominator! Don't need it here...

To divide a fraction by a fraction, you need to flip second(this is important!) fraction and multiply them, i.e.:

For example:

If multiplication or division with integers and fractions is caught, it's okay. As with addition, we make a fraction from a whole number with a unit in the denominator - and go! For example:

In high school, you often have to deal with three-story (or even four-story!) fractions. For example:

How to bring this fraction to a decent form? Yes, very easy! Use division through two points:

But don't forget about the division order! Unlike multiplication, this is very important here! Of course, we will not confuse 4:2 or 2:4. But in a three-story fraction it is easy to make a mistake. Please note, for example:

In the first case (expression on the left):

In the second (expression on the right):

Feel the difference? 4 and 1/9!

What is the order of division? Or brackets, or (as here) the length of horizontal dashes. Develop an eye. And if there are no brackets or dashes, like:

then divide-multiply in order, left to right!

And another very simple and important trick. In actions with degrees, it will come in handy for you! Let's divide the unit by any fraction, for example, by 13/15:

The shot has turned over! And it always happens. When dividing 1 by any fraction, the result is the same fraction, only inverted.

That's all the actions with fractions. The thing is quite simple, but gives more than enough errors. Note practical advice, and they (errors) will be less!

Practical Tips:

1. The most important thing when working with fractional expressions is accuracy and attentiveness! These are not common words, not good wishes! This is a severe need! Do all the calculations on the exam as a full-fledged task, with concentration and clarity. It is better to write two extra lines in a draft than to mess up when calculating in your head.

2. In the examples with different types fractions - go to ordinary fractions.

3. We reduce all fractions to the stop.

4. We reduce multi-level fractional expressions to ordinary ones using division through two points (we follow the order of division!).

5. We divide the unit into a fraction in our mind, simply by turning the fraction over.

Here are the tasks you need to complete. Answers are given after all tasks. Use the materials of this topic and practical advice. Estimate how many examples you could solve correctly. The first time! Without a calculator! And draw the right conclusions...

Remember the correct answer obtained from the second (especially the third) time - does not count! Such is the harsh life.

So, solve in exam mode ! This is preparation for the exam, by the way. We solve an example, we check, we solve the following. We decided everything - we checked again from the first to the last. But only after look at the answers.

Calculate:

Did you decide?

Looking for answers that match yours. I deliberately wrote them down in a mess, away from the temptation, so to speak ... Here they are, the answers, written down with a semicolon.

0; 17/22; 3/4; 2/5; 1; 25.

And now we draw conclusions. If everything worked out - happy for you! Elementary calculations with fractions - not your problem! You can do more serious things. If not...

So you have one of two problems. Or both at once.) Lack of knowledge and (or) inattention. But this solvable Problems.

If you like this site...

By the way, I have a couple more interesting sites for you.)

You can practice solving examples and find out your level. Testing with instant verification. Learning - with interest!)

you can get acquainted with functions and derivatives.

§ 87. Addition of fractions.

Adding fractions has many similarities to adding integers. Addition of fractions is an action consisting in the fact that several given numbers (terms) are combined into one number (sum), which contains all units and fractions of units of terms.

We will consider three cases in turn:

1. Addition of fractions with the same denominators.
2. Addition of fractions with different denominators.
3. Addition of mixed numbers.

1. Addition of fractions with the same denominators.

Consider an example: 1 / 5 + 2 / 5 .

Take the segment AB (Fig. 17), take it as a unit and divide it into 5 equal parts, then the part AC of this segment will be equal to 1/5 of the segment AB, and the part of the same segment CD will be equal to 2/5 AB.

It can be seen from the drawing that if we take the segment AD, then it will be equal to 3/5 AB; but segment AD is precisely the sum of segments AC and CD. So, we can write:

1 / 5 + 2 / 5 = 3 / 5

Considering these terms and the resulting amount, we see that the numerator of the sum was obtained by adding the numerators of the terms, and the denominator remained unchanged.

From here we get next rule: To add fractions with the same denominators, you must add their numerators and leave the same denominator.

Consider an example:

2. Addition of fractions with different denominators.

Let's add fractions: 3/4 + 3/8 First they need to be reduced to the lowest common denominator:

The intermediate link 6/8 + 3/8 could not have been written; we have written it here for greater clarity.

Thus, to add fractions with different denominators, you must first bring them to the lowest common denominator, add their numerators and sign the common denominator.

Consider an example (we will write additional factors over the corresponding fractions):

3. Addition of mixed numbers.

Let's add the numbers: 2 3 / 8 + 3 5 / 6.

Let us first bring the fractional parts of our numbers to a common denominator and rewrite them again:

Now add the integer and fractional parts in sequence:

§ 88. Subtraction of fractions.

Subtraction of fractions is defined in the same way as subtraction of whole numbers. This is an action by which, given the sum of two terms and one of them, another term is found. Let's consider three cases in turn:

1. Subtraction of fractions with the same denominators.
2. Subtraction of fractions with different denominators.
3. Subtraction of mixed numbers.

1. Subtraction of fractions with the same denominators.

Consider an example:

13 / 15 - 4 / 15

Let's take the segment AB (Fig. 18), take it as a unit and divide it into 15 equal parts; then the AC part of this segment will be 1/15 of AB, and the AD part of the same segment will correspond to 13/15 AB. Let's set aside another segment ED, equal to 4/15 AB.

We need to subtract 4/15 from 13/15. In the drawing, this means that the segment ED must be subtracted from the segment AD. As a result, segment AE will remain, which is 9/15 of segment AB. So we can write:

The example we made shows that the numerator of the difference was obtained by subtracting the numerators, and the denominator remained the same.

Therefore, in order to subtract fractions with the same denominators, you need to subtract the numerator of the subtrahend from the numerator of the minuend and leave the same denominator.

2. Subtraction of fractions with different denominators.

Example. 3/4 - 5/8

First, let's reduce these fractions to the smallest common denominator:

The intermediate link 6 / 8 - 5 / 8 is written here for clarity, but it can be skipped in the future.

Thus, in order to subtract a fraction from a fraction, you must first bring them to the smallest common denominator, then subtract the numerator of the subtrahend from the numerator of the minuend and sign the common denominator under their difference.

Consider an example:

3. Subtraction of mixed numbers.

Example. 10 3 / 4 - 7 2 / 3 .

Let's bring the fractional parts of the minuend and the subtrahend to the lowest common denominator:

We subtracted a whole from a whole and a fraction from a fraction. But there are cases when the fractional part of the subtrahend is greater than the fractional part of the minuend. In such cases, you need to take one unit from the integer part of the reduced, split it into those parts in which the fractional part is expressed, and add to the fractional part of the reduced. And then the subtraction will be performed in the same way as in the previous example:

§ 89. Multiplication of fractions.

When studying the multiplication of fractions, we will consider the following questions:

1. Multiplying a fraction by an integer.
2. Finding a fraction of a given number.
3. Multiplication of a whole number by a fraction.
4. Multiplying a fraction by a fraction.
5. Multiplication of mixed numbers.
6. The concept of interest.
7. Finding percentages of a given number. Let's consider them sequentially.

1. Multiplying a fraction by an integer.

Multiplying a fraction by an integer has the same meaning as multiplying an integer by an integer. Multiplying a fraction (multiplicand) by an integer (multiplier) means composing the sum of identical terms, in which each term is equal to the multiplicand, and the number of terms is equal to the multiplier.

So, if you need to multiply 1/9 by 7, then this can be done like this:

We easily got the result, since the action was reduced to adding fractions with the same denominators. Consequently,

Consideration of this action shows that multiplying a fraction by an integer is equivalent to increasing this fraction as many times as there are units in the integer. And since the increase in the fraction is achieved either by increasing its numerator

or by decreasing its denominator , then we can either multiply the numerator by the integer, or divide the denominator by it, if such a division is possible.

From here we get the rule:

To multiply a fraction by an integer, you need to multiply the numerator by this integer and leave the same denominator or, if possible, divide the denominator by this number, leaving the numerator unchanged.

When multiplying, abbreviations are possible, for example:

2. Finding a fraction of a given number. There are many problems in which you have to find, or calculate, a part of a given number. The difference between these tasks and others is that they give the number of some objects or units of measurement and you need to find a part of this number, which is also indicated here by a certain fraction. To facilitate understanding, we will first give examples of such problems, and then introduce the method of solving them.

Task 1. I had 60 rubles; 1 / 3 of this money I spent on the purchase of books. How much did the books cost?

Task 2. The train must cover the distance between cities A and B, equal to 300 km. He has already covered 2/3 of that distance. How many kilometers is this?

Task 3. There are 400 houses in the village, 3/4 of them are brick, the rest are wooden. How many brick houses?

Here are some of the many problems that we have to deal with to find a fraction of a given number. They are usually called problems for finding a fraction of a given number.

Solution of problem 1. From 60 rubles. I spent 1 / 3 on books; So, to find the cost of books, you need to divide the number 60 by 3:

Problem 2 solution. The meaning of the problem is that you need to find 2 / 3 of 300 km. Calculate first 1/3 of 300; this is achieved by dividing 300 km by 3:

300: 3 = 100 (that's 1/3 of 300).

To find two-thirds of 300, you need to double the resulting quotient, that is, multiply by 2:

100 x 2 = 200 (that's 2/3 of 300).

Solution of problem 3. Here you need to determine the number of brick houses, which are 3/4 of 400. Let's first find 1/4 of 400,

400: 4 = 100 (that's 1/4 of 400).

To calculate three quarters of 400, the resulting quotient must be tripled, that is, multiplied by 3:

100 x 3 = 300 (that's 3/4 of 400).

Based on the solution of these problems, we can derive the following rule:

To find the value of a fraction of a given number, you need to divide this number by the denominator of the fraction and multiply the resulting quotient by its numerator.

3. Multiplication of a whole number by a fraction.

Earlier (§ 26) it was established that the multiplication of integers should be understood as the addition of identical terms (5 x 4 \u003d 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 \u003d 20). In this paragraph (paragraph 1) it was established that multiplying a fraction by an integer means finding the sum of identical terms equal to this fraction.

In both cases, the multiplication consisted in finding the sum of identical terms.

Now we move on to multiplying a whole number by a fraction. Here we will meet with such, for example, multiplication: 9 2 / 3. It is quite obvious that the previous definition of multiplication does not apply to this case. This is evident from the fact that we cannot replace such multiplication by adding equal numbers.

Because of this, we will have to give a new definition of multiplication, i.e., in other words, to answer the question of what should be understood by multiplication by a fraction, how this action should be understood.

The meaning of multiplying an integer by a fraction is clear from the following definition: to multiply an integer (multiplier) by a fraction (multiplier) means to find this fraction of the multiplier.

Namely, multiplying 9 by 2/3 means finding 2/3 of nine units. In the previous paragraph, such problems were solved; so it's easy to figure out that we end up with 6.

But now an interesting and important question arises: why such at first glance various activities, as finding the sum of equal numbers and finding the fraction of a number, are called the same word "multiplication" in arithmetic?

This happens because the previous action (repeating the number with terms several times) and the new action (finding the fraction of a number) give an answer to homogeneous questions. This means that we proceed here from the considerations that homogeneous questions or tasks are solved by one and the same action.

To understand this, consider the following problem: “1 m of cloth costs 50 rubles. How much will 4 m of such cloth cost?

This problem is solved by multiplying the number of rubles (50) by the number of meters (4), i.e. 50 x 4 = 200 (rubles).

Let's take the same problem, but in it the amount of cloth will be expressed as a fractional number: “1 m of cloth costs 50 rubles. How much will 3/4 m of such cloth cost?

This problem also needs to be solved by multiplying the number of rubles (50) by the number of meters (3/4).

You can also change the numbers in it several times without changing the meaning of the problem, for example, take 9/10 m or 2 3/10 m, etc.

Since these problems have the same content and differ only in numbers, we call the actions used in solving them the same word - multiplication.

How is a whole number multiplied by a fraction?

Let's take the numbers encountered in the last problem:

According to the definition, we must find 3 / 4 of 50. First we find 1 / 4 of 50, and then 3 / 4.

1/4 of 50 is 50/4;

3/4 of 50 is .

Consequently.

Consider another example: 12 5 / 8 = ?

1/8 of 12 is 12/8,

5/8 of the number 12 is .

Consequently,

From here we get the rule:

To multiply an integer by a fraction, you need to multiply the integer by the numerator of the fraction and make this product the numerator, and sign the denominator of the given fraction as the denominator.

We write this rule using letters:

To make this rule perfectly clear, it should be remembered that a fraction can be considered as a quotient. Therefore, it is useful to compare the found rule with the rule for multiplying a number by a quotient, which was set out in § 38

It must be remembered that before performing multiplication, you should do (if possible) cuts, for example:

4. Multiplying a fraction by a fraction. Multiplying a fraction by a fraction has the same meaning as multiplying an integer by a fraction, that is, when multiplying a fraction by a fraction, you need to find the fraction in the multiplier from the first fraction (multiplier).

Namely, multiplying 3/4 by 1/2 (half) means finding half of 3/4.

How do you multiply a fraction by a fraction?

Let's take an example: 3/4 times 5/7. This means that you need to find 5 / 7 from 3 / 4 . Find first 1/7 of 3/4 and then 5/7

1/7 of 3/4 would be expressed like this:

5 / 7 numbers 3 / 4 will be expressed as follows:

In this way,

Another example: 5/8 times 4/9.

1/9 of 5/8 is ,

4/9 numbers 5/8 are .

In this way,

From these examples, the following rule can be deduced:

To multiply a fraction by a fraction, you need to multiply the numerator by the numerator, and the denominator by the denominator and make the first product the numerator and the second product the denominator of the product.

This is the rule in general view can be written like this:

When multiplying, it is necessary to make (if possible) reductions. Consider examples:

5. Multiplication of mixed numbers. Because mixed numbers can easily be replaced by improper fractions, this circumstance is usually used when multiplying mixed numbers. This means that in those cases where the multiplicand, or the multiplier, or both factors are expressed as mixed numbers, then they are replaced by improper fractions. Multiply, for example, mixed numbers: 2 1/2 and 3 1/5. Let's turn each of them into proper fraction and then we will multiply the resulting fractions according to the rule of multiplying a fraction by a fraction:

Rule. To multiply mixed numbers, you must first convert them to improper fractions and then multiply according to the rule of multiplying a fraction by a fraction.

Note. If one of the factors is an integer, then the multiplication can be performed based on the distribution law as follows:

6. The concept of interest. When solving problems and when performing various practical calculations, we use all kinds of fractions. But one must keep in mind that many quantities admit not any, but natural subdivisions for them. For example, you can take one hundredth (1/100) of a ruble, it will be a penny, two hundredths is 2 kopecks, three hundredths is 3 kopecks. You can take 1/10 of the ruble, it will be "10 kopecks, or a dime. You can take a quarter of the ruble, i.e. 25 kopecks, half a ruble, i.e. 50 kopecks (fifty kopecks). But they practically don’t take, for example , 2/7 rubles because the ruble is not divided into sevenths.

The unit of measurement for weight, i.e., the kilogram, allows, first of all, decimal subdivisions, for example, 1/10 kg, or 100 g. And such fractions of a kilogram as 1/6, 1/11, 1/13 are uncommon.

In general our (metric) measures are decimal and allow decimal subdivisions.

However, it should be noted that it is extremely useful and convenient in a wide variety of cases to use the same (uniform) method of subdividing quantities. Many years of experience have shown that such a well-justified division is the "hundredths" division. Let's consider a few examples related to the most diverse areas of human practice.

1. The price of books has decreased by 12/100 of the previous price.

Example. The previous price of the book is 10 rubles. She went down by 1 ruble. 20 kop.

2. Savings banks pay out during the year to depositors 2/100 of the amount that is put into savings.

Example. 500 rubles are put into the cash desk, the income from this amount for the year is 10 rubles.

3. The number of graduates of one school was 5/100 of the total number of students.

EXAMPLE Only 1,200 students studied at the school, 60 of them graduated from school.

The hundredth of a number is called a percentage..

The word "percentage" is borrowed from Latin and its root "cent" means one hundred. Together with the preposition (pro centum), this word means "for a hundred." The meaning of this expression follows from the fact that initially in ancient rome interest was the money that the debtor paid to the lender "for every hundred." The word "cent" is heard in such familiar words: centner (one hundred kilograms), centimeter (they say centimeter).

For example, instead of saying that the plant produced 1/100 of all the products produced by it during the past month, we will say this: the plant produced one percent of the rejects during the past month. Instead of saying: the plant produced 4/100 more products than the established plan, we will say: the plant exceeded the plan by 4 percent.

The above examples can be expressed differently:

1. The price of books has decreased by 12 percent of the previous price.

2. Savings banks pay depositors 2 percent per year of the amount put into savings.

3. The number of graduates of one school was 5 percent of the number of all students in the school.

To shorten the letter, it is customary to write the% sign instead of the word "percentage".

However, it must be remembered that the % sign is usually not written in calculations, it can be written in the problem statement and in the final result. When performing calculations, you need to write a fraction with a denominator of 100 instead of an integer with this icon.

You need to be able to replace an integer with the specified icon with a fraction with a denominator of 100:

Conversely, you need to get used to writing an integer with the indicated icon instead of a fraction with a denominator of 100:

7. Finding percentages of a given number.

Task 1. The school received 200 cubic meters. m of firewood, with birch firewood accounting for 30%. How much birch wood was there?

The meaning of this problem is that birch firewood was only a part of the firewood that was delivered to the school, and this part is expressed as a fraction of 30 / 100. So, we are faced with the task of finding a fraction of a number. To solve it, we must multiply 200 by 30 / 100 (tasks for finding the fraction of a number are solved by multiplying a number by a fraction.).

So 30% of 200 equals 60.

The fraction 30 / 100 encountered in this problem can be reduced by 10. It would be possible to perform this reduction from the very beginning; the solution to the problem would not change.

Task 2. There were 300 children of various ages in the camp. Children aged 11 were 21%, children aged 12 were 61% and finally 13 year olds were 18%. How many children of each age were in the camp?

In this problem, you need to perform three calculations, that is, successively find the number of children 11 years old, then 12 years old, and finally 13 years old.

So, here it will be necessary to find a fraction of a number three times. Let's do it:

1) How many children were 11 years old?

2) How many children were 12 years old?

3) How many children were 13 years old?

After solving the problem, it is useful to add the numbers found; their sum should be 300:

63 + 183 + 54 = 300

You should also pay attention to the fact that the sum of the percentages given in the condition of the problem is 100:

21% + 61% + 18% = 100%

This suggests that total number children who were in the camp was taken as 100%.

3 a da cha 3. The worker received 1,200 rubles per month. Of these, he spent 65% on food, 6% on an apartment and heating, 4% on gas, electricity and radio, 10% on cultural needs and 15% he saved. How much money was spent on the needs indicated in the task?

To solve this problem, you need to find a fraction of the number 1,200 5 times. Let's do it.

1) How much money is spent on food? The task says that this expense is 65% of all earnings, i.e. 65/100 of the number 1,200. Let's do the calculation:

2) How much money was paid for an apartment with heating? Arguing like the previous one, we arrive at the following calculation:

3) How much money did you pay for gas, electricity and radio?

4) How much money is spent on cultural needs?

5) How much money did the worker save?

For verification, it is useful to add the numbers found in these 5 questions. The amount should be 1,200 rubles. All earnings are taken as 100%, which is easy to check by adding up the percentages given in the problem statement.

We have solved three problems. Despite the fact that these tasks were about different things (delivery of firewood for the school, the number of children of different ages, the expenses of the worker), they were solved in the same way. This happened because in all tasks it was necessary to find a few percent of the given numbers.

§ 90. Division of fractions.

When studying the division of fractions, we will consider the following questions:

1. Divide an integer by an integer.
2. Division of a fraction by an integer
3. Division of an integer by a fraction.
4. Division of a fraction by a fraction.
5. Division of mixed numbers.
6. Finding a number given its fraction.
7. Finding a number by its percentage.

Let's consider them sequentially.

1. Divide an integer by an integer.

As was indicated in the section on integers, division is the action consisting in the fact that, given the product of two factors (the dividend) and one of these factors (the divisor), another factor is found.

The division of an integer by an integer we considered in the department of integers. We met there two cases of division: division without a remainder, or "entirely" (150: 10 = 15), and division with a remainder (100: 9 = 11 and 1 in the remainder). We can therefore say that in the realm of integers, exact division is not always possible, because the dividend is not always the product of the divisor and the integer. After the introduction of multiplication by a fraction, we can consider any case of division of integers as possible (only division by zero is excluded).

For example, dividing 7 by 12 means finding a number whose product times 12 would be 7. This number is the fraction 7/12 because 7/12 12 = 7. Another example: 14: 25 = 14/25 because 14/25 25 = 14.

Thus, to divide an integer by an integer, you need to make a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the dividend, and the denominator is the divisor.

2. Division of a fraction by an integer.

Divide the fraction 6 / 7 by 3. According to the definition of division given above, we have here the product (6 / 7) and one of the factors (3); it is required to find such a second factor that, when multiplied by 3, would give the given product 6 / 7. Obviously, it should be three times smaller than this product. This means that the task set before us was to reduce the fraction 6 / 7 by 3 times.

We already know that the reduction of a fraction can be done either by decreasing its numerator or by increasing its denominator. Therefore, you can write:

In this case, the numerator 6 is divisible by 3, so the numerator should be reduced by 3 times.

Let's take another example: 5 / 8 divided by 2. Here the numerator 5 is not divisible by 2, which means that the denominator will have to be multiplied by this number:

Based on this, we can state the rule: To divide a fraction by an integer, you need to divide the numerator of the fraction by that integer(if possible), leaving the same denominator, or multiply the denominator of the fraction by this number, leaving the same numerator.

3. Division of an integer by a fraction.

Let it be required to divide 5 by 1 / 2, i.e. find a number that, after multiplying by 1 / 2, will give the product 5. Obviously, this number must be greater than 5, since 1 / 2 is a proper fraction, and when multiplying a number by a proper fraction, the product must be less than the multiplicand. To make it clearer, let's write our actions as follows: 5: 1 / 2 = X , so x 1 / 2 \u003d 5.

We must find such a number X , which, when multiplied by 1/2, would give 5. Since multiplying a certain number by 1/2 means finding 1/2 of this number, then, therefore, 1/2 unknown date X is 5, and the whole number X twice as much, i.e. 5 2 \u003d 10.

So 5: 1 / 2 = 5 2 = 10

Let's check:

Let's consider one more example. Let it be required to divide 6 by 2 / 3 . Let's first try to find the desired result using the drawing (Fig. 19).

Fig.19

Draw a segment AB, equal to 6 of some units, and divide each unit into 3 equal parts. In each unit, three-thirds (3 / 3) in the entire segment AB is 6 times larger, i.e. e. 18/3. We connect with the help of small brackets 18 obtained segments of 2; There will be only 9 segments. This means that the fraction 2/3 is contained in b units 9 times, or, in other words, the fraction 2/3 is 9 times less than 6 integer units. Consequently,

How to get this result without a drawing using only calculations? We will argue as follows: it is required to divide 6 by 2 / 3, i.e., it is required to answer the question, how many times 2 / 3 is contained in 6. Let's find out first: how many times is 1 / 3 contained in 6? In a whole unit - 3 thirds, and in 6 units - 6 times more, i.e. 18 thirds; to find this number, we must multiply 6 by 3. Hence, 1/3 is contained in b units 18 times, and 2/3 is contained in b units not 18 times, but half as many times, i.e. 18: 2 = 9. Therefore , when dividing 6 by 2 / 3 we did the following:

From here we get the rule for dividing an integer by a fraction. To divide an integer by a fraction, you need to multiply this integer by the denominator of the given fraction and, making this product the numerator, divide it by the numerator of the given fraction.

We write the rule using letters:

To make this rule perfectly clear, it should be remembered that a fraction can be considered as a quotient. Therefore, it is useful to compare the found rule with the rule for dividing a number by a quotient, which was set out in § 38. Note that the same formula was obtained there.

When dividing, abbreviations are possible, for example:

4. Division of a fraction by a fraction.

Let it be required to divide 3/4 by 3/8. What will denote the number that will be obtained as a result of division? It will answer the question how many times the fraction 3/8 is contained in the fraction 3/4. To understand this issue, let's make a drawing (Fig. 20).

Take the segment AB, take it as a unit, divide it into 4 equal parts and mark 3 such parts. Segment AC will be equal to 3/4 of segment AB. Let us now divide each of the four initial segments in half, then the segment AB will be divided into 8 equal parts and each such part will be equal to 1/8 of the segment AB. We connect 3 such segments with arcs, then each of the segments AD and DC will be equal to 3/8 of the segment AB. The drawing shows that the segment equal to 3/8 is contained in the segment equal to 3/4 exactly 2 times; So the result of the division can be written like this:

3 / 4: 3 / 8 = 2

Let's consider one more example. Let it be required to divide 15/16 by 3/32:

We can reason like this: we need to find a number that, after being multiplied by 3 / 32, will give a product equal to 15 / 16. Let's write the calculations like this:

15 / 16: 3 / 32 = X

3 / 32 X = 15 / 16

3/32 unknown number X make up 15 / 16

1/32 unknown number X is ,

32 / 32 numbers X make up .

Consequently,

Thus, to divide a fraction by a fraction, you need to multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second, and multiply the denominator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second and make the first product the numerator and the second the denominator.

Let's write the rule using letters:

When dividing, abbreviations are possible, for example:

5. Division of mixed numbers.

When dividing mixed numbers, they must first be converted to improper fractions, then divide the resulting fractions according to the rules for dividing fractional numbers. Consider an example:

Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions:

Now let's split:

Thus, to divide mixed numbers, you need to convert them to improper fractions and then divide according to the rule for dividing fractions.

6. Finding a number given its fraction.

Among various tasks on fractions, sometimes there are those in which the value of some fraction of an unknown number is given and it is required to find this number. This type of problem will be inverse to the problem of finding a fraction of a given number; there a number was given and it was required to find some fraction of this number, here a fraction of a number is given and it is required to find this number itself. This idea will become even clearer if we turn to the solution of this type of problem.

Task 1. On the first day, glaziers glazed 50 windows, which is 1 / 3 of all windows of the built house. How many windows are in this house?

Solution. The problem says that 50 glazed windows make up 1/3 of all the windows of the house, which means that there are 3 times more windows in total, i.e.

The house had 150 windows.

Task 2. The shop sold 1,500 kg of flour, which is 3/8 of the total stock of flour in the shop. What was the store's initial supply of flour?

Solution. It can be seen from the condition of the problem that the sold 1,500 kg of flour make up 3/8 of the total stock; this means that 1/8 of this stock will be 3 times less, i.e., to calculate it, you need to reduce 1500 by 3 times:

1,500: 3 = 500 (that's 1/8 of the stock).

Obviously, the entire stock will be 8 times larger. Consequently,

500 8 \u003d 4,000 (kg).

The initial supply of flour in the store was 4,000 kg.

From the consideration of this problem, the following rule can be deduced.

To find a number by a given value of its fraction, it is enough to divide this value by the numerator of the fraction and multiply the result by the denominator of the fraction.

We solved two problems on finding a number given its fraction. Such problems, as it is especially well seen from the last one, are solved by two actions: division (when one part is found) and multiplication (when the whole number is found).

However, after we have studied the division of fractions, the above problems can be solved in one action, namely: division by a fraction.

For example, the last task can be solved in one action like this:

In the future, we will solve the problem of finding a number by its fraction in one action - division.

7. Finding a number by its percentage.

In these tasks, you will need to find a number, knowing a few percent of this number.

Task 1. At the beginning of this year, I received 60 rubles from the savings bank. income from the amount I put into savings a year ago. How much money did I put in the savings bank? (Cash offices give depositors 2% of income per year.)

The meaning of the problem is that a certain amount of money was put by me in a savings bank and lay there for a year. After a year, I received 60 rubles from her. income, which is 2/100 of the money I put in. How much money did I deposit?

Therefore, knowing the part of this money, expressed in two ways (in rubles and in fractions), we must find the entire, as yet unknown, amount. This is an ordinary problem of finding a number given its fraction. The following tasks are solved by division:

So, 3,000 rubles were put into the savings bank.

Task 2. In two weeks, fishermen fulfilled the monthly plan by 64%, having prepared 512 tons of fish. What was their plan?

From the condition of the problem, it is known that the fishermen completed part of the plan. This part is equal to 512 tons, which is 64% of the plan. How many tons of fish need to be harvested according to the plan, we do not know. The solution of the problem will consist in finding this number.

Such tasks are solved by dividing:

So, according to the plan, you need to prepare 800 tons of fish.

Task 3. The train went from Riga to Moscow. When he passed the 276th kilometer, one of the passengers asked the passing conductor how much of the journey they had already traveled. To this the conductor replied: “We have already covered 30% of the entire journey.” What is the distance from Riga to Moscow?

It can be seen from the condition of the problem that 30% of the journey from Riga to Moscow is 276 km. We need to find the entire distance between these cities, i.e., for this part, find the whole:

§ 91. Reciprocal numbers. Replacing division with multiplication.

Take the fraction 2/3 and rearrange the numerator to the place of the denominator, we get 3/2. We got a fraction, the reciprocal of this one.

In order to get a fraction reciprocal of a given one, you need to put its numerator in the place of the denominator, and the denominator in the place of the numerator. In this way, we can get a fraction that is the reciprocal of any fraction. For example:

3 / 4 , reverse 4 / 3 ; 5 / 6 , reverse 6 / 5

Two fractions that have the property that the numerator of the first is the denominator of the second and the denominator of the first is the numerator of the second are called mutually inverse.

Now let's think about what fraction will be the reciprocal of 1/2. Obviously, it will be 2 / 1, or just 2. Looking for the reciprocal of this, we got an integer. And this case is not isolated; on the contrary, for all fractions with a numerator of 1 (one), the reciprocals will be integers, for example:

1 / 3, inverse 3; 1 / 5, reverse 5

Since when finding reciprocals we also met with integers, in the future we will not talk about reciprocals, but about reciprocals.

Let's figure out how to write the reciprocal of a whole number. For fractions, this is solved simply: you need to put the denominator in the place of the numerator. In the same way, you can get the reciprocal of an integer, since any integer can have a denominator of 1. So the reciprocal of 7 will be 1 / 7, because 7 \u003d 7 / 1; for the number 10 the reverse is 1 / 10 since 10 = 10 / 1

This idea can be expressed in another way: the reciprocal of a given number is obtained by dividing one by the given number. This statement is true not only for integers, but also for fractions. Indeed, if you want to write a number, inverse fraction 5/9, then we can take 1 and divide it by 5/9, i.e.

Now let's point out one property mutually reciprocal numbers, which will be useful to us: the product of mutually reciprocal numbers is equal to one. Indeed:

Using this property, we can find reciprocals in the following way. Let's find the reciprocal of 8.

Let's denote it with the letter X , then 8 X = 1, hence X = 1 / 8 . Let's find another number, the inverse of 7/12, denote it by a letter X , then 7 / 12 X = 1, hence X = 1:7 / 12 or X = 12 / 7 .

We introduced here the concept of reciprocal numbers in order to slightly supplement information about the division of fractions.

When we divide the number 6 by 3 / 5, then we do the following:

Pay Special attention to the expression and compare it with the given one: .

If we take the expression separately, without connection with the previous one, then it is impossible to solve the question of where it came from: from dividing 6 by 3/5 or from multiplying 6 by 5/3. In both cases the result is the same. So we can say that dividing one number by another can be replaced by multiplying the dividend by the reciprocal of the divisor.

The examples that we give below fully confirm this conclusion.