A unit fraction is defined as a fraction where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is a positive integer. To determine if a fraction is a unit fraction, you can follow these simple steps:
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Check the Numerator: Examine the numerator of the given fraction. For a fraction to be a unit fraction, the numerator must always be 1.
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Check the Denominator: Ensure that the denominator is a positive integer. Unit fractions can only have positive integers as their denominators.
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Rewrite the Fraction: If needed, rewrite the fraction in its simplest form. Sometimes, fractions can be simplified, and it’s essential to confirm that the numerator remains 1 after simplification.
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Examples of Unit Fractions: Familiarize yourself with some common examples of unit fractions, such as
1/2
,1/3
,1/4
, and1/5
to help identify them easily.
By following these steps, you can accurately determine whether any given fraction qualifies as a unit fraction.