An Important Trick

Mathematics is full of little tricks that make calculations and problem solving easier for us. A very important trick when working with fractions is that all integers can be written as fractions by putting the number 1 in the denominator. You already know that a number divided by 1 is the number itself.

Rule

The Trick

Any number $a$ becomes a fraction when you divide it by 1.

a = \frac{a}{1}

Example 1

Here are three examples of integers written as fractions by setting the number itself in the numerator and 1 in the denominator:

\begin{array}{l} 25 & = \frac{25}{1} \\ 3 & = \frac{3}{1} \\ - 7 & = - \frac{7}{1} \end{array}

25 = \frac{25}{1} 3 = \frac{3}{1} - 7 = - \frac{7}{1}

Note! A fraction is reduced when the numerator and denominator no longer have any common factors other than 1.

Activities 2

Plus and Minus (Equal Denominators)