Cambridge101
New member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2021
- Messages
- 49
We learn that if I have 2/3, this in words is I have a whole split into 3 bits and I have 2 of these bits. Thus, I have 2 of the total 3 thirds. Thus two thirds = 2/3.
So in words, the definition of a fraction is, when a whole has been split into equal parts, and we have some x amount of them. This definition is great when the numerator and denominate are whole numbers.
But then if I have say 2/11 / 5/7. We say we can generate and equivalent fraction by manipulating the numerator and denominator by the same amount. We say this because 2/11 / 5/7 is identical to some other fraction. In this case, 14/55. But my question is, how can we see this. How would you explain in plain english what 2/11 / 5/7 is.
It makes no sense to word it like a whole split into 5/7 (correct me if I am wrong), because this would no longer be a whole. So when I say 2/11 / 5/7 , in plain english the previous definition of a fraction does not fit. How can we say 2/11 / 5/7 is identical to 14/55 if we cant see in the physical world what 2/11 / 5/7 is..... to me, it is just very unsatisfactory to say we can do it because equivalent fractions work for whole numbers, thus it must work for decimals, because i cant visualise it literally.
Any thoughts,
Cheers
So in words, the definition of a fraction is, when a whole has been split into equal parts, and we have some x amount of them. This definition is great when the numerator and denominate are whole numbers.
But then if I have say 2/11 / 5/7. We say we can generate and equivalent fraction by manipulating the numerator and denominator by the same amount. We say this because 2/11 / 5/7 is identical to some other fraction. In this case, 14/55. But my question is, how can we see this. How would you explain in plain english what 2/11 / 5/7 is.
It makes no sense to word it like a whole split into 5/7 (correct me if I am wrong), because this would no longer be a whole. So when I say 2/11 / 5/7 , in plain english the previous definition of a fraction does not fit. How can we say 2/11 / 5/7 is identical to 14/55 if we cant see in the physical world what 2/11 / 5/7 is..... to me, it is just very unsatisfactory to say we can do it because equivalent fractions work for whole numbers, thus it must work for decimals, because i cant visualise it literally.
Any thoughts,
Cheers