Simply Math

Everyday Math Skills | 2009

NWT Literacy Council

Acknowledgement
The NWT Literacy Council gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance for this
project from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, GNWT.

This document contains material from, and is based on the work of READ Saskatoons
Simply 123! A Plain Language Math Resource for Adults.

READ Saskatoon
#304-1114 22nd Street West
Saskatoon, SK S7M 0S5
Phone: (306) 652-5448
Fax: (306) 652-4205
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.readsaskatoon.com
We would like to thank Joyce Gilchrist for reviewing and editing this document.
Contact the NWT Literacy Council to get copies of the Simply Math Booklet. Or you can
download it from our website.
NWT Literacy Council
Box 761, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N6
Phone toll free: 1-866-599-6758
Phone Yellowknife: (867) 873-9262
Fax: (867) 873-2176
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nwt.literacy.ca

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents
How to use this Book............................................................................... Page 4
Whole Numbers........ Page 5
Place Value....... Page 6
Rounding.. Page 7, 8
The Basic Skills....
Addition.......
Estimating Sums.
Subtraction.......
Estimating Differences...
Multiplication..
Simple Long Division.
Long Division with Remainder ...
Properties of Zero...
Properties of One
Solving Word Problems.
Finding Averages
Order of Operations...
Factors..
Prime Numbers...
Composite Numbers..
Greatest Common Factor...
Multiples..

Page 9
Page 9, 10
Page 10, 11
Page 12-14
Page 14, 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18-20
Page 21
Page 21
Page 21-23
Page 23, 24
Page 24, 25
Page 5, 26
Page 26
Page 27
Page 27, 28
Page 28, 29

Fractions.........
Equivalent Fractions..
Renaming Equivalent Fractions...
Adding Fractions
Subtracting Fractions.

Page 31
Page 31-33
Page 33-35
Page 36
Page 36

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Proper Fractions.
Improper Fractions.
Mixed Numbers..
Change a Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction.. .
Change an Improper Fraction to a Mixed Number or
Whole Number
Adding Fractions When the Answer is an Improper
Fraction
Adding Mixed Numbers...
Subtracting Mixed Numbers
Unlike Fractions.
Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions..
Multiplying Fractions
Multiplying Fractions and Whole Numbers..
Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers...
Dividing Fractions..

Page 37
Page 37
Page 37
Page 37, 38
Page 38, 39
Page 39
Page 40
Page 41
Page 41, 42
Page 42, 43
Page 44, 45
Page 45
Page 46
Page 47

Decimals. Page 49
Reading Decimals... Page 50, 51
Comparing Decimals. Page 51
Rounding Decimals Page 52
Changing Fractions to Decimals... Page 53
Changing Decimals to Fractions... Page 54, 55
Adding Decimals........ Page 56
Estimating the Sum of Two Decimals.. Page 56, 57
Subtracting Decimals.. Page 57
Estimating the Difference of Two Decimals Page 58
Multiplying Decimals. Page 58, 59
Multiplying Decimals by 10, 100, and 1000. Page 59
Dividing Decimals.. Page 60-62
Dividing Decimals by 10, 100, and 1000.. Page 63, 64

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Table of Contents

Percents..
Changing Percents to Decimals
Changing Decimals to Percents
Changing Percents to Fractions
Percents and Their Values as Fractions...
Changing Fractions to Percents
Find a Percent of a Number..
Calculating Interest.

Page 65
Page 65, 66
Page 67
Page 68, 69
Page 70
Page 71-73
Page 61-73
Page 73, 74

Other Important Math Concepts...

Ratio..
Proportions..
Basic Exponents..

Page 75
Page 75
Page 76
Page 77

Metric Units and Measurement

Length..
Volume.
Mass..
Time..
Temperature
Measurement..
More on Length, Mass, Volume and Temperature....
Metric Vs. Imperial: Conversion Charts and Information..

Page 79
Page 79, 80
Page 80
Page 80, 81
Page 81, 82
Page 82, 83
Page 84-86
Page 87-89

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How to Use This Book

Simply Math Booklet

How to Use This Book

1. Read the table of contents. This will tell you what is in the
book.
2. Look through the book. See how the book is set up.
3. Decide what you want to know. You may want to refer to
one or two sections or review the whole book.
4. Look in the table of contents. This will tell you where to
find what you are looking for.
5. Turn to the page listed in the table of contents for the
section you want. Read to find the information you want.

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Whole Numbers

Whole Numbers
There are 10 symbols: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9.
Each of these number symbols is called a digit.
The number symbols you write to name numbers are called numerals.
For example, 36 is called a number, but it is really a numeral or a group of
number symbols which show the number named thirty-six. The number named
thirty-six may be shown in the following ways:

36

24 + 12

6x6

When a numeral is written in the form 5746, it is written in standard form. It can
also be written in expanded form. This shows how numerals are based on 10.
Standard Form

Expanded Form

5746

5000 + 700 + 40 + 6

5746

5 x 1000 + 7 x 100 + 4 x 10 + 6

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Place Value
Each digit has a certain place value and face value.
In 5746, the digit 5 is in the thousands place.
The face value tells us how many ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.
there are.
Lets take 5746 for example.
o The face value of the first digit is 5 and its place value is thousands.
o The face value of the second digit is 7 and its place value is
hundreds.
o The face value of the third digit is 4 and its place value is tens.
o The face value of the last digit is 6 and its place value is ones.
Remember: when you write a numeral in words, hyphens are used between the
tens and ones, so 41 is forty-one.
Lets read the numeral 1527468 and write it in words.
1. Start from the right and mark off groups of three digits.
2. Place commas between each group.

1/527/468

1,527,468

3. Read each group of digits and the name of each group. Start from the left.
4. 1,527,468 reads one million, five hundred and twenty-seven thousand, four
hundred and sixty-eight.

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Whole Numbers

Rounding
You do not always need to know the exact number. You can use numbers that
are approximate by estimating or rounding off.
Remember: It is important to know the place value chart when rounding off
numbers.
For example: Lets round 12,837 to the nearest thousand.
1. Underline the number in the place you are rounding off to. 12, 837
1. Look at the number in the next place to the right. 12,[8]37
2. Eight is greater than 5, so add 1 to the underlined number.
3. Now, change all the numbers to the right of the underlined number to 0.
4. The rounded off number is 13,000 because 12,800 is closer to 13,000 than to
12,000.
Lets try another. Round $538.00 to the nearest hundred dollars. Follow the
above steps.
1. $538.00
2. $5[3]8.00
3. Three is less than 5, so leave the underlined number as it is and dont
forget to change all the numbers on the right to 0.
4. The rounded off number is $500.00.

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Heres a tricky one to try. Lets round 3,983,542 to the nearest hundred
thousand.
1. 3,983,542
2. 3,9[8]3,542
3. Eight is greater than 5, so add 1 to 9. But when we change the 9 to 10, we
can only put the 0 in the hundred thousands place, so we must add the 1 to
the 3 to make 4.
4. The rounded off number is 4,000,000.
Try these ones: Round the following to the nearest thousand.

8 8

1. 3679

4000

2. 23, 345

23,000

3. 123,456

123,000

4. 128,987

129,000

5. 3187

3000

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The Basic Skills

The Basic Skills

Basic skills are needed to do math questions correctly. These skills are adding,
subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. These skills are used with whole
numbers, fractions, decimals and percents. You need to know the basic facts
really well in order to do the more difficult math problems.
It is important to do math question step by step. Watch for the signs +, -. , and
and read and reread the question to know exactly what you are trying to solve.
These symbols are used in many math questions:
Is less than <
Is greater than >
Is equal to =
Is not equal to

Addition
The sign for addition is + and it is called a plus sign. This sign tells us to add.
The answer is called a sum or a total.
Lets take 456 + 289.

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1. Line up the place values.

456
+ 289
745

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2. Add each column starting from the right, adding the ones first. 6 plus 9 is
15. Put the 5 in the ones column and then carry over the 1 to the next
column.
3. Add the tens column. 5 plus 8 plus 1 is 14. Put the 4 in the tens column and
carry over the one to the next column.
4. Add the hundreds column. 4 plus 2 plus 1 is 7.
5. Your answer is

456
+ 289
745

To check addition problems you can subtract one of the numbers from the sum
or answer and you will get the other number.
Estimating Sums
A quick way to estimate the sum of two numbers is to round each number and
then add the rounded numbers. This probably won't be the exact answer but it
may be close enough for some purposes.
How to estimate a sum by rounding.
1. Round each term that will be added.
2. Add the rounded numbers.
Some uses of rounding are:
Checking to see if you have enough money to buy what you want.
Getting a rough idea of the correct answer to a problem

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The Basic Skills

For example: Estimate 235 + 585

1. Round each number.

200 + 600

2. Add.

800

3. Actual answer:

820

How to Improve the Estimate.

1. Round each term that will be added.
2. Add the rounded numbers.
3. If both are rounded down or both rounded up see if the amount of
rounding is more than 50. If it is, add or subtract 100 to the estimate.
4. If one number is rounded down and the other is rounded up a closer
estimate will not be produced by this method.
For example: Estimate 445 + 735
1. Round each term.

400 + 700

2. Add.

1100

3. Rounded down by more than 50 so add 100.

1100 + 100

4. Rounded answer:

1200

5. Actual answer:

1180

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The Basic Skills

Subtraction
The sign for subtraction is and it is called a minus sign. Subtraction is taking
away one number from another and that is why it is called the minus or takeaway sign.
You cant take a bigger number away from a smaller number so, sometimes you
have to regroup numbers to subtract. Regroup means you borrow from the next
place value and add it on to a smaller number so then you have a bigger number
to subtract the smaller number from.
For example: 625 248
1. Write this problem in a line going down.
625
248
2. Subtract the ones column. You cant take 8 away from 5 so you have to
regroup and borrow 1 ten (10) from the tens place. Now you have 15 8 = 7

3. Now you subtract the tens column. You borrowed 1 ten so you have 1 ten
left. You cant take 4 away from 1 so you have to borrow from the
hundreds place. Now you have 11 tens. 11 4 = 7

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The Basic Skills

4. You had to borrow 1 hundred from the hundreds place so now you have 5
hundreds left. 5 2 = 3 hundreds

5. 625 248 = 377

Now lets take 900 548

1. Write this problem in a line going down.
900
548

2. Subtract the ones column. You cant take a 8 away from 0 so you have to
regroup and borrow 1 ten from the tens place. But there are 0 tens, so you
have to borrow 1 hundred from the hundred place.

3. Now you have 10 tens so you can borrow one ten.

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4. Subtract the ones column: 10 8 = 2.

Now subtract the tens column: 9 4 = 5
Now subtract the hundreds column: 8 5 = 3
5. 900 548 = 352
Remember: Follow the same steps for any subtraction problem.
To check subtraction problems you can add the answer to the number you
subtracted and you should get the other number.
For example: 352 + 548 = 900
Estimating Differences
We use the same method for estimating differences as we do for adding sums.
Round each number and then subtract the rounded numbers. This probably
won't be the exact answer but it may be close enough for some purposes.
How to estimate a difference by rounding.
1. Round each term that will be subtracted.
2. Subtract the rounded numbers.
For example: Estimate 855 385

14

1. Round each term.

900 400

2. Subtract.

500

3. Actual answer:

470

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The Basic Skills

An estimate can sometimes be improved. If the difference of 645 - 450 were

estimated, we would round 645 to 600 and 450 to 500. The estimate would be 600
500 or 100. One number was rounded down and the other was rounded up.
The number 645 was rounded down by 45 and 450 was rounded up by 50.
Adding 45 + 50 gives 95, which rounds to 100. Therefore, a better estimate would
be 200. The actual difference is 195.
How can you improve the estimate?
1. Round each term that will be subtracted.
2. Subtract the rounded numbers.
3. If one is rounded down and the other up see if the amount of rounding is
more than 50. If it is, add 100 to or subtract 100 from the estimate.
4. If both numbers are rounded down or both are rounded up, a closer
estimate will not be produced by this method.
For example: Estimate 955 325
1. Round each term.

1000 300

2. Subtract.

700

3. Add 55 + 25 = 80 (more than 50)

Subtract 100.

700 100 = 600

4. Estimation:

600

5. Actual answer:

630

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Multiplication
Multiplication is repeated addition. Multiplication is a quicker way to add the
same number many times. The sign for multiplication is a times sign X. The
numbers that are multiplied together are called factors and the answer is called
the product.
For example:

8 x 5 = 40. To get the answer add the number 8 five times.

8 + 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 40

Use the same steps to multiply 2, 3, 4, or more digit numbers.

For example: Multiply 355 x 225
1. Arrange in columns. Multiply, starting from the right. Regroup when
355
necessary.

X 225
2. Multiply 355 x 5 to get part of the answer 1775 and that is the first
partial product. You must regroup when you multiply 5 x 5 you get
25. Write the 5 down and then carry the 2 to the next column. Then you
multiply 5 x 5 again and add the 2 to get 27. Carry the 2 to the next
column. Next you multiply 3 x 5 and add 2 to get 17.
3. Place a zero to hold the ones place value before multiplying for the next
partial product 355x 20 = 7100 (partial product).
4. Place a zero in the ones and tens place and multiply 355 x 200 = 71000.
5. Add partial products to get the final product.

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355
X 225
1775
7100
71000
79,875

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The Basic Skills

Simple Long Division

Division is sometimes referred to as the opposite math operation of
multiplication. For example: 40 8 = 5. You can reverse this for multiplication:
5 x 8 = 40.
There are two definitions you must know in order to do division:
The number to be divided into is known as the dividend (505 from
below).
The number which divides the other number is known as the divisor (5
from below).
For example: 505 5
1. How many fives go into 5?

2. How many fives go into 0?

3. How many fives go into 5?

4. Your answer is:

101

5. There is no remainder.

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Long Division with Remainders

When we are given a long division to do it will not always work out to a whole
number. Sometimes there will be numbers left over. These are known as
remainders.
For example: 435 25
4 25 = 0 remainder 4

The first number of the dividend is

divided by the divisor.
The whole number result is placed at
the top. Any remainders are ignored at
this point.

25 0 = 0

The answer from the first operation is

multiplied by the divisor. The result is
placed under the number divided into.

40=4

Now we take away the bottom number

from the top number.

Bring down the next number of the

dividend.

43 25 = 1 remainder 18

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Divide this number by the divisor.

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The Basic Skills

The whole number result is placed at

the top. Any remainders are ignored at
this point.

25 1 = 25

The answer from the above operation is

multiplied by the divisor. The result is
placed under the last number divided
into.

43 25 = 18

Now we take away the bottom number

from the top number.

Bring down the next number of the

dividend.

185 25 = 7 remainder 10 Divide this number by the divisor.

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The whole number result is placed at

the top. Any remainders are ignored at
this point.

25 7 = 175

The answer from the above operation is

multiplied by the divisor. The result is
placed under the number divided into.

185 175 = 10

Now we take away the bottom number

from the top number.

There is still 10 left over but no more

numbers to bring down.

With a long division with remainders

the answer is expressed as 17
remainder 10 as shown in the diagram

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The Basic Skills

Properties of Zero:
1. 0 added to any number is the number.

5+0=5

2. 0 subtracted from any number is the number.

5-0=5

3. The difference between any number and itself is 0.

5-5=0

4. When 0 is multiplied by 0, the product is 0.

0x0=0

5. When any other number is multiplied by 0 the product is 0.

5x0=0

Properties of One:
1. Any number multiplied by one is the number.

5x1=5

2. Any number , except 0, divided by itself equals 1.

55=1

3. One raised to any power is 1.

15 = 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1=1

Solving Word Problems

Word problems are math questions in sentence form. Finding the answer is
called solving the problem.
For example: Lucy Smith earns $1,500 each month. How much does she earn in
a year?
1. Read and reread the problem.
2. What does the problem ask you to do?
3. What facts are you given? Sometimes you are given facts that you do not
need and sometimes you have to know facts that are not given.
4. Look for clues to help you decide what operation addition, subtraction,
multiplication or division you need to use.
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The Basic Skills

Addition:
These are word clues that tell you to add.
altogether

How much do you have altogether?

in all

How many in all?

together

Together how much do you have?

increase

What increase does that show?

total/sum

What is the sum or total amount?

Subtraction:
Subtraction problems ask for what is left after something is taken away. They
may also ask for how much greater one number is from another.
Sometimes these words are used:
difference

What is the difference?

remainder

How many are left over?

increase/decrease by
reduce by

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less/more

How much less or how much more?

smaller

How much smaller?

larger

How much larger?

farther

How much farther?

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The Basic Skills

Multiplication:
The word clues are often the same for adding and multiplying, because
multiplying is just a quick way of adding the same number many times.
The word clues: total, in all, and altogether, can mean to add or multiply.
To find the total of different numbers, add.
To find the total of the same number many times, multiply.
Division:
Dividing is the reverse of multiplying. In multiplying, there are parts and you
need a total. In dividing, there is a total and you need to find equal parts of it.
A word clue for dividing is each. How much is each or how many in each?
Another indicator for division is when you are asked to find the average.

Finding Averages
Averages are used in daily living. You talk about the average temperature,
average income, or average amount of rain. You find the average by adding all
the numbers together and then dividing that answer by the amount of numbers
you added together.
Lets try an example: Find the average temperature for the week.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:

5 degrees C
7 degrees C
4 degrees C
9 degrees C

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Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:

12 degrees C
12 degrees C
14 degrees C

To find the average temperature for the week, we add

5 + 7 + 4 + 9 + 12 + 12 + 14 = 63
Now we divide by the number of days 63 7 = 9
The average temperature for the week is 9 degrees Celsius.
Order of Operations
To find the answer for certain math questions you need to do more than one
operation. Follow the rules below.
Rule 1:

First perform any calculations inside brackets.

Rule 2:

Next perform all multiplication and division, working from left to

right.

Rule 3:

Lastly, perform all additions and subtractions, working from left to

right.

Lets try 8 x 9 + 24 2
You have to perform 3 operations; multiplication, addition and division. This is
when you have to know what order they are done in.
1. Multiply 8 x 9 =72

72 + 24 2

2. Next, divide 24 2 = 12
3. Now, add

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72 + 12
72 + 12 = 84

The Basic Skills

If you dont follow the order of operations, you will get a different answer. That
is why everyone must follow this math rule. Some questions have brackets and
the question in the bracket needs to be done first.
Lets try 26 + 63 (15 - 8) x 2 3 3
1. Brackets first (15 - 8 ) = 7

26 + 63 7 x 2 3 3

2. Nex,t division 63 7 = 9

26 + 9 x 2 3 3

3. Now, multiply 9 x 2 = 18

26 + 18 3 - 3

4. Divide 18 3 = 6

26 + 6 - 3

5. Add first 26 + 6

32 3

6. And finally subtract

32 3 = 29

7. The answer:

29

Factors
Factors are any numbers multiplied together to give a product. What numbers
multiply together to get to 4?
1x4
2x2

The factors are 1, 2, 4

1 is a factor of all numbers because of the properties of one.

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For example: List the factors of 30:

Ask what two numbers (factors) can be multiplied together to make the answer
(product) 30?
1 x 30 = 30
2 x 15 = 30
3 x 10 = 30
5 x 6 = 30
The factors of 30 are 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, and 30.

Prime Numbers are numbers that have only two factors, one and the number
itself.
For example:
2=1x2
3=1x3
5=1x5
19 = 1 x 19

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Composite Numbers are numbers that have more than two factors.
For example:
6 = 1 x 6 and 2 x 3
The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6.
A composite number may be written as a product of prime numbers.
For example: 12 is a composite number because it has more than 2 factors.
12 = 1 x 12 and 2 x 6 and 3 x 4
You can break these factors down to prime numbers.
For example:
12 = 2 x 6 (6 = 2 x 3)
12 = 2 x 2 x 3 (all prime numbers)
You broke the composite number (12) down to the prime numbers (2x2x3). This
shows how a composite number may be written as a product of prime numbers.

Greatest Common Factor is a number that divides evenly into two

numbers and it is the largest of all the factors that divides evenly into two
numbers. To find the greatest common factor (G.C.F.), you have to list all the
factors of the two numbers.

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For example: Find the G.C.F. of 18 and 24.

1. List all the factors of each.
a. What two numbers multiplied together make 18?
b. Start with 1. Ask 1 times what number makes 18? Then go to 2.
Ask 2 times what number makes 18? Then 3, and so on.
c. 18 = 1 x 18, 2 x 9, 3 x 6
d. What two numbers multiplied together make 24?
e. 24 = 1 x 24, 2 x 12, 3 x 8, 4 x 6
2. List the factors in order.

18 = 1,2,3,6,9,18

3. Find the common factors of the two numbers.

24 = 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24
1,2,3,6

4. The greatest (or biggest) of these common numbers is 6.

Multiples
A multiple of a number is the product or answer of that number multiplied by
any whole number. To find multiples of any number, just multiply that
number by 1,2,3,4, and on.
For example: Find the multiples of 6.
1. Multiply 6 by 1,2,3,4, and on.
6x1=6
6x3=18
6x5=30

6x2=12
6x4=24
6 x 6 = 36

2. The multiples of 6 are: 6,12,18,24,30

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A number can be a multiple of more than 1 number. These are common

multiples.
For example: Find the common multiples of 6 and 8.
1. The multiples of 6 are: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 and on.
2. The multiplies of 8 are: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64 and on.
3. The common multiples of 6 and 8 are 24 and 48. The least common
multiple is 24.

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Fractions

Fractions
A fraction is a part of a whole. A penny is a fraction of a dollar. It is 1 of the 100
equal parts of a dollar or 1/100 (one hundredth) of a dollar. Five days are a
fraction of a week. They are 5 of the 7 equal parts of a week or 5/7 of a week
Fractions describe part of a number. Fractions have two parts:
Numerator - tells how many parts you have.
Denominator - tells how many parts in the whole.
Think of nu in numerator as the Nu for the number up and d in denominator
as the D for the number down. The line between means division.
Fractions are parts or divisions of a whole. The denominator divides the
numerator.
Note: Fractions are shown in this form and sometimes this way 1:2
Equivalent Fractions
Equivalent fractions are fractions that:
Are equivalent or equal to each other.
Have the same value.
Look different.
May be in lower terms or higher terms.

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Fractions

For example:
2 is half of 4 and 1 is half of 2 and 50 is half of 100.
2
4

1
2

50
100

All these fractions are equal to 1/2 (one-half) because they describe the
same thing in different ways. They are equivalent fractions.
To find if fractions are equivalent, you cross-multiply.
1. Take the first numerator and multiply it by the second denominator.
2. Next take the first denominator and multiply it by the second numerator.
For example: Are
1 x 12= 12

and

equivalent fractions?

3 x 4= 12

Yes, they are equivalent fractions.

To rename equivalent fractions you multiply or divide both the numerator and
denominator by the same number. This does not change the value of the fraction
because you are multiplying or dividing by 1. 1 can be shown as 1/1, 2/2, 3/3, 4/4
and on.
For example: Write 3 fractions equivalent to .

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Fractions

For example: Write 3 different fractional names for 1.

1=1
1
1=2
2
1=3
3
1 can be

1 can be 6/6, because the bottom number (or the denominator) 6 tells us that the
whole is divided into 6 parts. The top number (or the numerator) 6 tells us how
many parts are there. If you divide a whole into 6 parts and all 6 parts are there,
then you still have one whole or 1.
6/6 = 1

Renaming Equivalent Fractions

To rename an equivalent fraction is to change the form (the numbers) without
changing the value. You can raise fractions to higher terms.
For example: Write the fraction 2/5 in higher terms. Remember you can multiply
by any form of one.

2/5 and 6/15 and 8/20 are all

equivalent fractions.

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Fractions

Check to see if the above are equivalent fractions. Remember: Cross-multiply

2 x 15 = 30

5 x 6 = 30

2 x 20 = 40

5 x 8 = 40

Sometimes you are asked to complete a fraction in higher terms. Then you are
given just part of a value.
For example: Complete in higher terms.

1. Ask what was done to the 4 to equal 16? It was multiplied by 4.

2. Always do the same to both terms. If you multiply the denominator by 4,
you must multiply the numerator by 4.
3. Now multiply the 3 by 4 to get 12.
4. Cross-multiply to see if this is an equivalent fraction.

5. They are equivalent.

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3 x 16 = 48
4 x 12 =48

Fractions

You can rename an equivalent fraction to lowest terms. It is called simplifying

the fraction or reducing the fraction.
For example: Write this fraction 6/8 in its simplest form.
factors of 6 = 1,2,3,6
factors of 8 = 1,2,4,8
Greatest common factor = 2
Remember: divide both the denominator and numerator by 2.

Lets try some more:

1. 12/15

factors of 12 = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12

factors of 15 = 1, 3, 5, 15

Greatest common factor = 3

2. 25/30

factors of 25 = 1, 5, 25

factors of 30 = 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30

Greatest common factor = 5

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Fractions

Adding Fractions
To add fractions with the same denominator, add only the numerators and put
the sum over the denominator.
For example: Add 2/8 + 3/8

Try this one: Add 1/6 + 2/6 (Write answer in simplest form.)
(simplest form)

Subtracting Fractions
To subtract fractions with the same denominator, subtract only the numerators
and put the difference over the denominator.
For example: Subtract 5/10 - 3/10 (Write answer in simplest form.)
(simplest form)

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Fractions

Proper Fractions
Proper fractions are fractions that are less than 1.
1/3, 3/4, 4/7, and 5/9 are all examples of proper fractions
The numerator is smaller than the denominator.

Improper Fractions
Improper fractions are fractions that are equal to or greater than 1.
2/2, 4/4, 6/5 and 12/7 are examples of improper fractions
The numerator of an improper fraction is the same as or larger than the
denominator.
Mixed Numbers
A mixed number is made up of a whole number and a fraction.
are examples of mixed fractions
Change a Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction
A mixed number can be renamed as an improper fraction. For example:
1. 1 and 1/2 is a mixed number
2. 1 is the whole number
3. 1/2 is the fraction
4. Change 1 to 2/2
5. Add
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Fractions

There is a quicker way to change mixed numbers into improper fractions.

Try this one: Write this mixed number as an improper fraction.
1. Take the whole number (3) and multiply it by the denominator of the
fraction (5)
2. 3 x 5 = 15
3. Then add the numerator of the fraction (2) to that number
4. 15 + 2 = 17
5. Your improper fraction is

Change an Improper Fraction to a Mixed Number or Whole

Number
An improper fraction can be renamed as a whole number or a mixed number.
For example: 35/7
Remember 35 is the numerator that tells the number of equal parts and 7 is the
denominator that tells the number of equal parts into which the whole is divided.
1. 35 7 = 5 with no remainder
2. The whole number is 5

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Fractions

Try this one: 21/6

1. 21 6 = 3 with 3 remainder
2. 3 is the whole number
3. 3/6 is the remainder
4. 3 and 3/6 is the mixed number however we can simplify the 3/6
5.
6. 21/6 can be renamed as the mixed number 3

Adding Fractions When the Answer is an Improper Fraction

When fractions are added and the answer is an improper fraction, the improper
fraction should be renamed as a whole number or a mixed number.
For example:

equals 1

Try this one: 5/9 + 7/9

1.
2. 12 9 = 1 plus 3 remainder
3. 1 and 3/9 (need to simplify)
4.
5. Answer is 1

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Fractions

Adding Mixed Numbers

When mixed numbers are added, answers need to be renamed and put in the
simplest form.
For example:
1. First add all the whole numbers.

5 + 8 + 1 = 14

2. Next add all the numerators.

3. Since

is more than 1 you must convert to a mixed number.

4. 18 12 = 1 with 6 remainder

1 and

5. Add the whole numbers together. 14 + 1 = 15

6. Answer is 15 and 6/12. You must now simplify.
7.
8. The answer is 15 .

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Fractions

Subtracting Mixed Numbers

In order to subtract a mixed number from a whole number, the whole number
needs to be renamed as a mixed number. Make the denominator of its fraction
the same as the denominator of the other fraction.
For example: 5 2
1. Change the whole number 5 to a mixed number.
2. 5 can be changed to 4 and

3. Subtract the whole numbers and then subtract the fractions.

4. The answer is
Unlike Fractions
Unlike fractions do not have the same denominator. To compare, add, or
subtract these unlike fractions, they have to be renamed with the least common
denominator. To find the least common denominator of two fractions, list the
multiples of each fraction.
For example: Find the least common denominator for 1/4 and 5/6
1. Multiples of 4 = 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36
2. Multiples of 6 = 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36
3. Common multiples = 12, 24, 36.
4. The least common multiple is 12 therefore the common denominator is 12.
5. Rename the fractions changing both denominators to 12.
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Fractions

6. Ask what was done to the 4 (denominator) to make 12? It was multiplied
by 3, so multiply the numerator by 3. (1 x 3 = 3)
7. Ask what was done to the 6 (denominator) to make 12? It was multiplied
by 2, so multiply the numerator by 2. (5 x 2 = 10)

8. The fractions are changed to

and

We can now add or subtract them.

Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions

To add or subtract unlike fractions, rename them with the same denominator.
Follow these steps:
1. List the multiples for each denominator and find the least common
denominator.
2. Rename the denominators and multiply the numerators.
3. Add or subtract the fractions and then the whole numbers.
4. Write the answer in the simplest form.
Adding:
Try this one:
1. Multiples of 2 = 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 3
2. Multiples of 8 = 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48
3. Least common multiple is 8
4. Multiply

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to get a denominator of 8.

Fractions

5. 3/8 stays the same.

6. Add together:
Subtracting:
Try this one:

1. Multiples of 5 = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25

2. Multiples of 15 = 15, 30, 45, 60
3. Least common multiple is 15

4. Multiply by
5.

to get a denominator of 15.

(stays the same)

6. Now subtract
7. Now reduce to simplest form. You must divide both numerator and
denominator by 5.
8. Answer is:
Sometimes mixed numbers have to be regrouped before they can be subtracted.

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Fractions

Multiplying of Fractions
Multiplying fractions is very different from adding or subtracting. It takes lots of
practice to remember the different steps.
1. Multiply the numerators.
2. Multiply the denominators.
3. Write the answer in simplest form.
For example:

1. Multiply the numerators.

3 x 4 = 12

2. Multiply the denominators.

5 x 6 = 30

3. Answer:
4. Now reduce to simplest form. You must divide both numerator and
denominator by 6.
Sometimes when fractions are multiplied, a shortcut is used. Especially when
you are dealing with really large numbers it is much easier to use the short-cut
method.
For example: Multiply
1. Ask yourself if you can reduce the numerator
and denominator by dividing.
2. 5 will divide into both 15 and 25.

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Fractions

3. 8 will divide into both 8 and 32.

4. Now you can multiply the numbers that are left.

5. Your answer is:

Multiplying Fractions and Whole Numbers
Follow these steps to multiply fractions and whole numbers:
1. Rename the whole number as a fraction with a denominator of 1.
2. Use the shortcut.
3. Multiply the numerators and then multiply the denominators.
For example: 3 x
1. Rename the whole number to .
2. Use the shortcut cant cross anything out.
3. Multiply.
4. Change to mixed number.

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Fractions

Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers

When multiplying fractions and mixed numbers rename the mixed number as an
improper fraction and multiply as you would any fractions.
For example: 2 x 3
1. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions. Remember that you can
multiply the whole number by the denominator and then add the
numerator.
a.

2=

b.

3=
4

2. Cross out what you can:

(4 goes into 16 four times)

3. Now multiply
4.

is your answer - now put it into a mixed number.

5. 36 5 = 7 with 1 left over.

6. 7

4646

is your final answer.

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Fractions

Dividing Fractions
Before you learn to divide fractions, you need to understand the term reciprocal.
Reciprocal means flip the fraction. So the reciprocal of 1/2 would be 2/1.
To solve any division problem that has a fraction or mixed number in it:
1. Change any mixed number or whole number to an improper fraction.
2. Turn the fraction you are dividing by (the second fraction) upside down
(reciprocal) and change the division sign to multiplication.
3. Use the shortcut if possible, multiply, and reduce answer to lowest terms.
For example:

1. First change 3

to an improper fraction.

2. Next find the reciprocal of

3. Now multiply (reduce if you can).

4. Your answer is:

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Decimals

Decimals
Decimals, like fractions, allow you to work with parts of numbers. Decimals are
names for fractions. If a fraction can be written with a denominator of 10, 100,
1000 and on, a decimal can be used to name the number.
Decimals have different place values. They are places to the right of the decimal
point. You have been working with decimals for a long time. In money, any
amount less than a dollar is a decimal.

Money

Decimal Part of a
Dollar

Fractional Part of a
Dollar

1 cent

$.01

1/100

10 cents

$.10

10/100

25 cents

$.25

25/100

50 cents

$.50

50/100

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Decimals

Reading Decimals
The dot in the decimal is called the decimal point.
It is written to the right of the ones place.
The first place to the right after the decimal point is the tenths place.

Hundreds

Tens

Ones

Tenths

Hundredths

Thousandths

Ten thousandths

Millionths

Thousands

Hundred thousandths

Ten thousands

Hundred thousands

Millions

Place value continues on both sides of the decimal point.

The number written under the chart is 65,218.3479.

It is read sixty-five thousand, two hundred eighteen and three thousand
four hundred seventy-nine thousandths.
The comma helps you read whole numbers by marking off the periods
(thousands, millions, billions).
The decimal point is different. It shows you where the whole number ends
and the decimal number begins.

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Decimals

The decimal point does not take up a place. Only a number can take up a
place.
Any decimal no matter how large is less than the whole number 1.
Any number that has both a whole number and a decimal number in it is
larger than a number that has a decimal only.
Comparing Decimals
If there are no whole numbers, or if the whole numbers are the same, you have to
compare the decimal number. Here is a trick you can use to compare decimals.
For example: Which is larger?

0.07 or 0.2?

1. Add one zero at the end of 0.2 by adding the zero, you have 0.07 and 0.20
2. Compare: 20 hundredths is larger than 7 hundredths
3. The answer is 0.2
Lets try this one: Arrange the following decimals in order from the smallest to
the largest: 0.8, 0.08, 0.088, 0.808.
1. Add zeros so each decimal has three places.

.800, .080, .088, .808

2. Compare and arrange the decimals in the correct order: .080, .088, .800, .808
3. Leave the zeros out in the final answer.

.08, .088, .8, .808.

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Decimals

Rounding Decimals
Decimals are rounded the same way whole numbers are rounded.
For example: Round 9.635 to the nearest one.
1. The number to the right of the ones is 6.
2. 6 is greater than 5.
3. The ones number is rounded up one.
4. 9.635 rounded to the nearest one is 10.
Lets try this one: Round 9.635 to the nearest tenth.
1. The number to the right of the tenths is 3.
2. 3 is less than 5.
3. The tenths number stays the same.
4. 9.635 rounded to the nearest tenth is 9.6.
Lets try one more: Round 9.635 to the nearest hundredth.
1. The number to the right of the hundredths is 5.
2. 5 is 5 or greater.
3. The hundredths number is rounded up one.
4. 9.635 rounded to the nearest hundredth is 9.64.

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Decimals

Changing Decimals to Fractions

You can change a decimal to a fraction or a mixed number.
1. Read the decimal.
2. Write it as a fraction with a denominator of 10, 100, 1000, etc.
3. Rewrite the fraction in simplest form.
For example:
0.8 =
0.95 =
0.015 =
Decimals can be renamed or changed to mixed numbers. To rename or change
decimals to mixed numbers use the above steps.
For example:
2.25 is 2

(change to simplest form)

2.25 = 2

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Decimals

Changing Fractions to Decimals

Fractions or mixed numbers with denominators of 10, 100, 1000, etc. can be
written as decimals.
Remember: Put in the place value. The first place to the right of the decimal
point is the tenths place. The second place to the right of the decimal point is the
hundredths place. The third place to the right of the decimal point is the
thousandths place and so on.
For example:

= 0.47
= 0.5

1 and

= 1.09

3 and

= 3.2

= .07

= .008

= .088

= .88

1 and

= 1.08

1 and

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= 1.008

Decimals

There is another way to rename a fraction to a decimal. If a fraction does not

have a denominator of 10.100, 1000, etc. you can divide the bottom number into
the top number.
Follow the steps below:
1. Divide the bottom number into the top number.
2. Add a decimal point and zeros. Divide and bring the decimal point up.
3. You may get a repeating decimal. You can repeat the decimal three time and
then add a dot above the decimal to indicate it repeats itself.
For example: Change to a decimal.

Try this one: Change to a decimal.

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Decimals

Adding Decimals
Decimals are added the same way whole numbers are added. To add decimals,
line up the decimal points and add as you would whole numbers.
For example:

Add 24.29 + 12.95.

1. Write the question so the decimal points are lined up.

2. Add the hundredths.
3. Add the tenths.
4. Add the whole numbers.
5. Line up the decimal points.

Remember : Any whole number is understood to have a decimal point at its

right. You can add zeros to the right so it is easier to add.
For example:

16 + 2.005.
16.000
2.005
18.005

Estimating the Sum of Two Decimals

How do you estimate a sum by rounding?
1. Round each decimal term that will be added.
2. Add the rounded terms.

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Decimals

For example: Estimate the sum of 0.988 + 0.53

1. Round each number.

1 + 0.5

2. Add the rounded numbers.

1.5

3. The actual sum is:

1.518

Subtracting Decimals
Decimals are subtracted the same way whole numbers are subtracted. You just
have to make sure the decimal points are lined up.
For example:

Subtract 7.2 3.7

1. Write the question so the decimal points are

lined up.
2. Subtract the tenths.
3. Subtract the whole numbers.
4. Line up the decimal points.
Remember: To subtract put the larger number on top and you can add as many
zeros after the decimal point as you need.
For example:

Subtract 15.2 0.184

Follow the above steps, but add zeros to

give the top number the same number of
places as the bottom number.

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Decimals

Estimating the Difference of Two Decimals

How do you estimate a difference by rounding?
1. Round each decimal term that will be subtracted.
2. Subtract the rounded terms.
For example: Estimate the difference of 0.988 0.53
1. Round.

1 0.5

2. Subtract the rounded numbers.

0.5

3. The actual difference is:

0.458

Multiplying Decimals
To multiply decimals, multiply the same way you would multiply whole
numbers, except you must put the decimal point in. Count the number of
decimal places in both numbers you are multiplying and put the total number of
places in your answer.
For example: Multiply 4.8 x 0.9
1. Arrange in columns and multiply.
2. Place the decimal point in the answer so that the number of places in the
answer is the same as the two numbers that were multiplied.

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Decimals

Sometimes it is necessary to write extra zeros in the answer before the decimal
point can be placed.
For example: 0.16 x 0.4

Multiplying Decimals by 10, 100, and 1000

There are shortcuts when multiplying decimals by 10, 100 and 1000.
Move the decimal point one place to the right when you multiply by 10.
0.34 x 10 = 3.4
Move the decimal point two places to the right when you multiply by 100.
0.34 x 100 = 34
Move the decimal point three places to the right when you multiply by 1000.
0.34 x1000 = 340
Notice the pattern for multiplying a number by 0.1, 0.01, or 0.001.
Move the decimal point one place to the left when you multiply by 0.1.
637 x 0.1 = 63.7
Move the decimal point two places to the left when you multiply by 0.01.
637 x 0.01 = 6.37
Move the decimal point three places to the left when you multiply by 0.001.
637 x 0.001 = .637
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Decimals

Dividing Decimals
The division steps for decimals are the same as they are for whole numbers,
except you must place the decimal point in the answer.
Divide a decimal by a whole number.
To divide a decimal by a whole number, bring the decimal point up in the
answer directly above the decimal point in the question.

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Decimals

Divide a decimal by a decimal.

1. Move the decimal point in the divisor to the
right as far as it will go
2. Move the point in the dividend the same
number of places.
3. Bring the point up in the answer directly above its new place and divide.

To divide a decimal by a decimal, change the problem to one in which you are
dividing by a whole number.

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Decimals

Divide a whole number by a decimal.

1. Move the point in the divisor three places to the
right.
2. Place a point to the right of the whole number
and move it three places to the right, holding
each place with a zero.
3. Bring the decimal point up in the answer and divide.

When dividing a decimal into a whole number, put a decimal point after the
whole number and in order to move the point enough places add zeros to hold
the place.
Remember: It is understood that a whole number has a decimal point at its
right. Sometimes when decimals are divided by whole numbers, zeros have to be
put in the answer to hold a place.
For example:

In this example, zeros are put in the answer to show there is no tenths or
hundredths in the answer.

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Decimals

Dividing Decimals by 10, 100, and 1000

Like shortcuts in multiplying decimals by 10, 100, or 1000, there are also
shortcuts in dividing decimals by 10, 100, and 1000.
1. When multiplying decimals by 10, for example, move the decimal point
one place to the right and the number gets bigger.
2. When dividing decimals by 10, move the decimal point one place to the left
and the number gets smaller. When dividing by 100 move the decimal
point two places to the left. When dividing by 1000 move the decimal
point three places to the left.
3. If multiplying by a decimal, for example 52 x 0.1 = 5.2, the decimal moves
one place to the left.
4. If dividing by a decimal, for example: 52 0.1 = 520, the decimal moves one
place to the right.
5. Notice the pattern in the chart on the next page.

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Decimals

Multiply
by 10

by 100

by 1000

3.65 x 10 = 36.5

3.65 x 100 = 365

3.65 x 1000 = 3650

0.584 x 10 = 5.84

0.584 x 100 = 58.4

0.584 x 1000 = 584

by .1

by .01

by .001

189 x .1 = 18.9

189 x .01 = 1.89

189 x .001 = .189

1.72 x .1 = .172

1.72 x .01 = .0172

1.72 x .001 = .00172

Divide
by 10

6464

by 100

by 1000

25.9 10 = 2.59

25.9 100 = .259

25.9 1000 = .0259

13 10 = 1.3

13 100 = .13

13 1000 = .013

by 10

by 100

by 1000

.42 .1 = 4.2

.42 100 = 42

.42 1000 = 420

19 .1 = 190

19 .01 = 1900

19 .001 = 19000

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Percents

Percents
Percent is another way to describe a part or fraction of something. The only
denominator that a percent can have is 100. This denominator is shown by a
percent sign %. The word percent and the sign % both mean hundredths.
For example: 25% is the same as 25/100 or 1/4 or .25
Although percent means out of one hundred, a percent can be more than 100. A
percent larger than 100 is equal to an improper fraction. When working with
percent problems, you need to change the percent to a decimal or fraction.

Changing Percents to Decimals

Here is how to change 85% to a decimal:
1. Drop the percent sign. 85
2. In a number with no decimal point, it is understood that the decimal point
is at the end of the number. Put in the decimal point. 85.
3. Now that you have a decimal point, move it two places to the left. 0.85 =
85% = .85 = 85 hundredths
The tricky part is putting in the decimal point. Study these examples:

5 % = .05
10% = .10
55% = .55
3% = .03

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Percents

For example: Change 25 1/4 % to a decimal.

1. Drop the percent.

25

2. Change 1/4 to a decimal.

4 1= .25

3. Put in the decimal point.

25.25

4. Move the decimal point

two places to the left.

0.2525

The next example will show that when a percent like 100%, 200%, 300% etc. is
changed to a decimal, the answer is a whole number.
Heres another example: Change 100% to a decimal.
1. Drop the %.

100

2. Put in the decimal point.

100.

3. Move the decimal point

two places to the left.

1.00 =1

100% = 1

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Percents

Changing Decimals to Percents

You just learned how to change a percent to a decimal by moving the decimal
point two places to the left. Changing a decimal to a percent is just the opposite.
For example: Change 0.43 to a percent.
1. Move the decimal point
two places to the right.

0.43

2. The decimal point is at the

end of the number where it can be dropped.

43

3. Add the percent.

43%

Try this one. Change 0.217 to a percent.

1. Move the decimal point
two places to the right.

21.7

2. The decimal point is not at the

end of the number so you cannot drop it.

21.7

3. Add the percent.

21.7%

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Percents

Changing Percents to Fractions

Now that you can change a percent to a decimal, you can change a percent to a
fraction because you can use that as the first step in this example.
For example: Change 15% to a fraction.
1. Change the percent to a decimal.

0.15

2. Now change the decimal

0.15 =

to a fraction.
3. Reduce the fraction.
There is a shorter way to change a percent to a fraction. The only denominator a
percent can have is 100.
1. Use the number in front of the % as a numerator.

15% = 15

2. Always use 100 as the fractions denominator.

3. Reduce the fraction.
It is good to know both methods because the next example needs to be changed
to a decimal first before you can change the percent to a fraction.
Heres another example: Change 37.5 % to a fraction.
1. Change the percent to a decimal.
2. Change the decimal to a fraction.
3. Reduce.

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.375

Percents

This example takes an extra step.

One more example: Change 6 1/4% to a fraction.

= 0.25

1. Change the fraction to a decimal.

2. Put 6.25 over 100.
3. Reduce (divide both by 6.25).

Percents and their Values as Fractions

These are some common fractions and percents. It is helpful to know what each
of them is equal to.
Fraction
1/2
1/4
3/4
1/5
2/5
3/5
4/5
1/3
2/3

Percent
50%
25%
75%
20%
40%
60%
80%
33.33%
66.66%

Fraction
1/8
3/8
5/8
7/8
1/10
3/10
7/10
9/10
1/6
5/6

Percent
12.5 %
37.5%
62.5%
87%
10%
30%
70%
90%
16.66%
83.33%

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Percents

Changing Fractions to Percents

There are two ways to change a fraction to a percent.
Method 1:
Multiply the fraction by 100%.

Method 2:
Divide the bottom number of the fraction into the top number and then multiply
by 100 (move the decimal place to the right 2 times)

.75 x 100 = 75%

Answer:

7070

= 75%

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Percents

Finding a Percent of a Number

Percents are very common in the everyday world. Learning how to solve percent
problems will be helpful in figuring out discounts on items you buy or figuring
interest on loans. There are different methods for finding a percent of a
number.
For example: Find 10% of 150.
1. Change the percent to a decimal.

10% = 0.10

2. Multiply.

0.10 x 150 = 15

3. 10% of 150 is 15.

Lets try this one: Find 7% of 40.
1. Change the percent to a decimal.

7% = 0.07

2. Multiply.

0.07 x 40 = 2.8

3. 7% of 40 is:

2.8

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Percents

Finding what percent one number is of another is a similar problem that can be
solved by writing the problem as a proportion. Notice the difference in the way
this problem is written as a proportion.
Follow this example: What percent of 45 is 9?
1. Write the unknown percent as a fraction, using x to stand for the unknown.
X% = x/100.
2. Use the fraction to write the problem as a proportion.

3. Cross multiply.

4. 9 is 20% of 45
Lets try this one: 48 is 16% of what number?
1. Write the percent as a fraction. 16% =16/100.
2. Use the fraction to write the problem as a
proportion.

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Percents

3. Cross multiply.

4. 48 is 16% of 300.
Calculating Interest
Interest is the money you pay for borrowing money. The amount of interest you
pay on any loan depends on three things:
How much you borrow.
How long you keep the money before paying it back.
The interest rate, which is a percent.
For example: How much will you pay in interest on $2,000 for 3 years at 11.5%?
1. Change the percent to a decimal.

11.5% =.115

2. Multiply the principal by the rate.

$2000 x .115 = $230 for 1 year

3. Multiply the interest for 1 year by 3 years. $230 x 3 = $690

4. The interest is $690 for three years at 11.5% interest.
The amount of money you borrow, or the amount you deposit is called
principal. It is a dollar amount. The interest rate is a percent of the principal.
It is based on a period of one year.

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Percents

More interest problems:

1. How much will you pay in interest on a $5000 loan for 5 years at 5.5%? How
much will you pay overall?
a. Change the percent to a decimal.

5.5% = 0.055

b. Multiply the principal by the rate.

$5000 x 0.055 = $275

c. Multiply the interest for 1 year by 5 years. $275 x 5 = $1375

d. The interest is $1375 for five years at 5.5% interest.
e. The total cost of the loan is $6375.
2. You would like to buy a new laptop. The cost of the laptop is $1500 with all
the program software installed. You only have $500. The store offers you a
loan for one year for the remainder of the money at a 8.9% interest rate. How
much will you pay in interest? How much will you pay overall?
a. How much money will the loan be for?

$1500 - $500 = $1000

b. Change the percent to a decimal.

8.9% = 0.089

c. Multiply the principal by the rate.

$1000 x 0.089 = $89

d. The interest is $89 for one year at a 8.9% interest rate.

e. The total cost of the laptop is $1589.00.

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Other Important Math Concepts

Other Important Math Concepts

Ratio
A ratio is a comparison of one number with another. It is used to show the
relationship between something and something else.
The order of the numbers in a ratio is important. When you write a ratio, you
must keep in mind which number belongs to which thing. A ratio can be written
three ways:
1. With the word to 3 to 5
2. With a colon 3:5
3. As a fraction 3/5
Remember: When ratios are written as fractions, they are usually reduced to
their lowest terms, even improper fractions, but you should not change an
improper fraction to a whole number or a mixed number.
For example: Suppose you come into a room and see that there are 15 people but
only 10 chairs.
The ratio of people to chairs is:
1. 15 to 10 5/5 = 3 to 2
2. 15 : 10 5/5= 3 : 2
3.
The ratio of chairs to people is 10 to 15 or 2 to 3.

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Other Important Math Concepts

Proportions
A proportion is a statement that two ratios are equal. This is how it is shown:
or

15:10 = 3:2

It is read: fifteen is to ten as three is to two. If proportions are equal, crossmultiply and the answer should be the same. 15 x 2 = 10 x 3
Cross-multiplication can be used to find an unknown number in a proportion.
For example: 5 is to 10 as 20 is to an unknown number.
1. Write the proportion, letting a stand for the unknown number.

2. Cross-multiply.

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5 X a = 10 x 20
5a = 200
a = 200 5
a = 40

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Other Important Math Concepts

Basic Exponents
Exponents are shorthand for repeated multiplication of the same thing by itself.
For example: (5)(5)(5) = 53. The "exponent", being 3 in this example, stands for
however many times the value is being multiplied. The thing that's being
multiplied, being 5 in this example, is called the "base".
This process of using exponents is called "raising to a power", where the
exponent is the "power". The expression "53" is pronounced as "five, raised to the
third power" or "five to the third". There are two specially-named powers: "to the
second power" is generally pronounced as "squared", and "to the third power" is
generally pronounced as "cubed". So "53" is commonly pronounced as "five
cubed".
Exponents have a few rules that we can use for simplifying expressions.
1. Simply 104 = 10 x 10 x 10 x 10
2. Multiply (x3)(x4) = x7
Whenever you multiply two terms with the same base, you can add the
exponents.
3. Divide (x4) (x3) = x1
The rule for dividing exponents is to subtract the exponents (4-3 = 1) if you
have the same base.

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Metric Units and Measurement

Metric Units and Measurement1

Length
The standard unit of length in the metric system is the metre. Other units of
length and their equivalents in metres are as follows:
1 millimetre = 0.001 metre

We symbolize these lengths as follows:

1 centimetre= 0.01 metre

1 millimetre = 1 mm

1 decimetre = 0.1 metre

1 centimetre = 1 cm

1 kilometre = 1000 metres

1 metre = 1 m

100 centimetres = 1 metre

1 decimetre = 1 dm

1000 millimetres = 1 metre

1 kilometre = 1 km

For reference, 1 metre is a little longer than 1 yard or 3 feet. It is about half the
height of a very tall adult. A centimetre is nearly the diameter of a dime, a little
less than half an inch. A millimetre is about the thickness of a dime.
Volume
The standard unit of volume in the metric system is the litre. One litre is equal to
1000 cubic centimetres in volume. Other units of volume and their equivalents in
litres are as follows:

1 millilitre = 0.001 litre

1 centilitre = 0.01 litre

We symbolize these volumes as

follows:

1 decilitre = 0.1 litre

1 millilitre = 1 ml

1 kilolitre = 1000 litres

1

1 centilitre = 1 cl

From: http://www.mathleague.com/help/metric/metric.htm

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Metric Units and Measurement

1000 mililitres = 1 litre

1 decilitre = 1 dl

1,000 litres = 1 cubic metre (m3)

1 litre = 1 l
1 kilolitre = 1 kl

For reference, 1 litre is a little more than 1 quart. One teaspoon equals about 5
millilitres.
Mass
The standard unit of mass in the metric system is the gram. Other units of mass
and their equivalents in grams are as follows:
We symbolize these masses as follows:

1 milligram = 0.001 gram

1 milligram = 1 mg

1 centigram = 0.01 gram

1 decigram = 0.1 gram

1 centigram = 1 cg

1 kilogram = 1000 grams

1 decigram = 1 dg
1 gram = 1 g
1 kilogram = 1 kg

For reference, 1 gram is about the mass of a paper clip. One kilogram is exactly
the mass of a litre of water.
Time
The following conversions are useful when working with time:
1 minute = 60 seconds
1 hour = 60 minutes = 3600 seconds
1 day = 24 hours

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Metric Units and Measurement

1 week = 7 days
1 year = 365 1/4 days (for the Earth to travel once around the sun)
In practice, every three calendar years will have 365 days, and every fourth year
is a "leap year", which has 366 days, to make up for the extra quarter day over
four years.
The year is divided into 12 months, each of which has 30 or 31 days, except for
February, which has 28 days (or 29 days in a leap year).
Temperature
The USA and Imperial systems measure temperature using the Fahrenheit
system. The Metric (SI) system originally used the Celsius temperature system,
but now officially uses the Kelvin temperature system. However, few people
aside from scientists have switched to the Kelvin system and the Celsius system
is almost always used by most people for ordinary (non-scientific) purposes.
The freezing point of water in Fahrenheit is 32 degrees, in Celsius it is 0
degrees.
The boiling point of water in Fahrenheit is 212 degrees, in Celsius it is
100 degrees.
Consequently the difference between freezing and boiling is 180 degrees
Fahrenheit (212-32) or 100 degrees Celsius (100-0). This means that 180
degrees change in Fahrenheit is equal to 100 degree change in Celsius,
or more simply 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit equals 1.0 degrees Celsius.
This gives rise to the following equations to convert between Celsius and
Fahrenheit:
C = (F - 32) 1.8

For example: (68F-32) 1.8 = (36) 1.8 = 20C

F = (C x 1.8) + 32

For example: (20C x 1.8) + 32 = (36) + 32 = 68F

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Metric Units and Measurement

Some common examples are:

Freezing = 0 C , 32F
Room temperature = 20 C , 68F
Normal body temperature = 37 C , 98.6F
A very hot day = 40 C , 104F
Boiling point of water = 100 C , 212F
Measurement
Area is the amount of two-dimensional space. Area is also used to measure the
outermost surface of an object. Perimeter is the; total length of the outer
boundary.

Shapes

Formula
Rectangle:
Area = Length X Width
A = lw
Perimeter = 2 X Lengths + 2 X Widths
P = 2l + 2w
Parallelogram
Area = Base X Height
a = bh
Perimeter = 2 X Lengths + 2 X Widths
P = 2l + 2w

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Metric Units and Measurement

Triangle
Area = 1/2 of the base X the height
a = 1/2 bh
Perimeter = a + b + c
(add the length of the three sides)
Circle
The distance around the circle is a circumference. The
distance across the circle is the diameter (d). The radius
(r) is the distance from the center to a point on the circle.
(

= 3.14)

diameter = 2r
circumference=
Area =
(

d=2

r2

=3.14)

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Metric Units and Measurement

More on Length, Mass, Volume and Temperature

Look at the chart below to help you get a better understanding of the units,
metre, centimetre, kilometre, kilogram, gram, litre, mililitre and Celsius.2
You might notice that the spelling for metre, centimetre, kilometre, litre and
mililitre are different in the below chart. The American spelling for metre is
meter and so forth.

Unit

Length:
1 metre (1 m)

1 centimetre
(1 cm)

From: http://lamar.colostate.edu/~hillger/frame.htm

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Equivalence

Metric Units and Measurement

1 kilometre
(1 km)

Mass:
1 kilogram (1 kg)

1 gram (1 g)

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Metric Units and Measurement

Volume:
1 liter (1 L or 1 l)

1 millilitre
(1 mL or 1 ml)

Temperature:
degree Celsius (C)

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Metric Units and Measurement

Metric Vs. Imperial: Conversion Charts and Information

Fact: The United States is the only industrialized country in the world that
doesn't use the metric system as its predominant system of weights and
measures. Today only the USA, Liberia and Myanmar still use the old English
Imperial system. The rest of the world is metric.
Given that Canada is a neighbor of the USA we still use quite a bit of the imperial
system. For example do you weigh yourself in kilograms or pounds? Do you
measure land in acres or hectres? Do you measure yourself in feet and inches or
centimetres?
Imperial Unit

Metric (SI)
Unit

Metric (SI)
unit

Imperial Unit

Inch

2.54
centimetres

Centimetre

0.39 inches

Foot

30.48
centimetres

Metre

3.28 feet

Yard

0.91 metres

Metre

1.09 yards

Mile

1.61 kilometres

Kilometre

0.62 miles

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Metric Units and Measurement

Imperial/USA
unit

Metric (SI)
unit

Metric (SI) unit

Imperial/USA
unit

Ounce (weight)

28.35 grams

Gram

0.035 ounces

Pound

0.45 kilograms

Kilogram

2.21 pounds

UK ton (2240
pounds)

1.02 metric tons

Metric ton (1000

kg.)

0.98 UK tons

US ton (2000
pounds)

0.91 metric tons

Metric ton (1000

kg.)

1.10 US tons

Imperial/USA
unit

Metric (SI) unit

Metric (SI) unit

Imperial/USA
unit

Acre

0.40 hectare

Hectare

2.47 acres

Square inch

6.45 square
centimetres

Square centimetre

0.16 square
inches

Square foot

0.09 square
metres

Square metre

1.2 square yards

Square yard

0.84 square
metres

Square metre

1.20 square
yards

Square mile

2.60 square
kilometres

Square kilometre

0.39 square miles

Cubic foot

0.028 cubic
metres

Cubic metre

35.23 cubic feet

Cubic yard

0.76 cubic metres

Cubic metre

1.35 cubic yards

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Metric Units and Measurement

Imperial/USA
unit

Metric (SI)
unit

Metric (SI)
unit

Teaspoon (UK)

5.92 millilitres

Teaspoon (US)

4.93 millilitres

Tablespoon
(UK)

17.76
millilitres

Tablespoon
(US)

14.79
millilitres

Fluid ounce
(UK)

28.41
millilitres

Fluid ounce
(US)

29.57
millilitres

Pint (UK)

0.57 litres

Pint (US)

0.47 litres

2.11 pints (US)

Quart (UK)

1.14 litres

0.88 quarts (UK)

Quart (US)

0.95 litres

1.06 quarts (US)

Gallon (UK)

4.55 litres

0.22 gallon (UK)

Gallon (US)

3.79 litres

0.26 gallons (US

Millilitre

Imperial/USA unit
0.17 teaspoons (UK)
0.20 teaspoons (US)

10 Millilitre

0.56 tablespoons (UK)

0.68 tablespoons (US)

100 millilitre

3.52 fluid ounces (UK)

3.38 fluid ounces (US)

Litre

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1.76 pints (UK)

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