Fractions Equal to 1

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Fractions are used to name parts of a whole.

Fractions that are equal to 1 name a whole. A fraction is a whole when the numerator and denominator have the same value.

• What do you remember about numerator and denominator?

Two halves make a whole (½ + ½ = 1). The same is true for other fractions with an equal value for a numerator and denominator, such as four fourths, five fifths, or ten tenths.

Whenever the numerator and denominator of a fraction are equal (but not zero), the fraction is equal to 1.

In order to make equivalent fractions, you need to use fractions that are equal to 1. If you are able to create fractions that are equal to 1, it will help you understand how to complete other problems involving fractions.

Example 1

Write a fraction equal to 1 that has a denominator of 5.

A fraction equal to 1 that has a denominator of 5 would also have a numerator of 5:

Example 2

When ²⁄₇ and ⁵⁄₇ are added together, the sum is ⁷⁄₇. Remember to add the numerators and keep the denominator the same. Fraction answers should always be written in simplest form, so ⁷⁄₇ equals 1.

Example 3

5⁴⁄₄ is a mixed number. A mixed number is a number with a whole number and a fraction.

The mixed number 5⁴⁄₄ means 5 + ⁴⁄₄. Since ⁴⁄₄ equals 1, the addition of 5 + ⁴⁄₄ is the same as 5 + 1, which is 6. We find that 5⁴⁄₄ and 6 are equal.

Example 4

Mary bought 2³⁄₆ bags of candy for her birthday party. She already had 2³⁄₆ bags of candy at home.

• How many bags of candy does she have for her party?

Add and find the sum of 2³⁄₆ and 2³⁄₆, which is 4⁶⁄₆. The mixed number 4⁶⁄₆ means 4 + ⁶⁄₆. Since ⁶⁄₆ equals 1, the addition of 4 + ⁶⁄₆ is the same as 4 + 1, which is 5. Mary has 5 bags of candy.

Summarize how you can identify a fraction that is equal to 1.

Move on to the Got It? section to practice writing, comparing, and adding fractions that are equal to 1.