A-LevelMaths

A-Level Maths Fractions Revision Notes

Master A-Level Maths Fractions using simple revision notes, key facts and practice questions — all generated by AI for your exam.

Fractions are numerical quantities that represent a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two integers. Understanding fractions is essential for manipulating algebraic expressions, solving equations, and working with ratios and proportions in A-Level Maths.

Key Concepts

  • 1A fraction consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).
  • 2To add or subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator.
  • 3Multiplying fractions involves multiplying the numerators and denominators directly.
  • 4Dividing fractions requires multiplying by the reciprocal of the divisor.
  • 5Fractions can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Simple Explanation

A fraction shows how many parts of a whole you have. The top number is called the numerator, and the bottom number is the denominator. To add or subtract fractions, you need to make sure they have the same denominator. You can multiply or divide fractions by simply multiplying or dividing the top and bottom numbers.

Memory Trick

Remember 'N D M D' - Numerator Down, Multiply Denominator for multiplying fractions, and 'R D' - Reciprocal Divide for dividing fractions.

Flashcards

Question1 / 5

What is the numerator in a fraction?

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Exam Questions

Describe and explain how to add two fractions with different denominators. [6 marks]

6 marks
View mark scheme hint

Identify the need for a common denominator, demonstrate finding it, show conversion of fractions, and perform the addition.

Explain how to simplify the fraction 18/24. [4 marks]

4 marks
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Identify the GCD, demonstrate the division of numerator and denominator by GCD, and state the simplified fraction.

What is meant by the term 'reciprocal' in fractions? [2 marks]

2 marks
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Define reciprocal and provide an example.

Practice Quiz

Question 1 of 5Score: 0

What is the result of 1/2 + 1/3?

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