Essential Mathematics for Nursing

Lesson 1
Introducing Fractions

These squares are divided into four tiles.

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In the first example, one of the four tiles is red. This can be written as the fraction ¹/₄.
In the second instance, two of the four tiles are red. This can be written as the fraction ²/₄.
In the third instance, three of the four tiles are red. This can be written as the fraction ³/₄.
In the fourth instance, four of the four tiles are red. This can be written as the fraction ⁴/₄.

The fraction ¹/₄ is spoken as "one over four" or "one fourth" The fraction ³/₄ is spoken as "three over four" or "three fourths."

Fractions are written as two numbers, one over the other, and separated by a bar.

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Definition

The upper number in a fraction is the numerator.
The lower number in a fraction is the denominator

Topic 1
Proper Fractions

Definition

A proper fraction is one where the absolute value of the numerator is smaller than the absolute value of the denominator.

Examples:

Topic 2
Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Definition

An improper fraction is one where the absolute value of the numerator is greater than, or equal to, the absolute value of the denominator.

Examples: ³/₂, ⁸/₃, ^-16/₅, ⁷/₇

A mixed number is one that includes an integer as well as a fractional part.

Examples: 1¹/₂, 2 ³/₄, 6 ⁵/₈, –4¹/₄

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Three halves of these tiles are colored blue.

A mixed number expresses fractional parts that are greater than 1.The blue tiles in these squares represent a total of three halves. There are two sets of tiles. Both halves of the first tile are colored blue.

Introducing Fractions

Select the response that best describes the given fraction or mixed number. Continue the work until you can complete at least ten examples without making any errors.

If you are having any trouble understanding the content of this lesson, you will benefit from a more detailed tutorial on the subject.