Section 1.3: Fractions and Decimals
Homework Hints

Problems 1-4
There are many problems throughout the text labeled IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Just relax. Do not be afraid to give your opinion. For the most part, these questions do not have "right" or "wrong" answers. You should spend about five minutes in answering each of these questions. Use Example 1 for Problem 3.

Problems 5-8
To classify a fraction as proper (numerator smaller) or improper (denominator smaller) or a whole number (denominator divides evenly into the numerator), see Example 2. It see how to convert into calculator steps remember that the fractional bar means "divided by." See Examples 8 and 9.

Problems 9-14
All of the given problems in this section are improper fractions. A mixed number is one where there is a whole number part with the remainder written as a proper fraction. See Example 3.

Problems 15-26
All of the given problems in this section are mixed numbers. An improper fraction is one in which the numerator is smaller than the denominator. See Example 4.

Problems 27-38
You can use long division (Example 5) or inspection (Example 6). Example 7 shows the process for proper or improper fractions and Example 8 shows the process for mixed numbers.

Problems 39-40
See Example 10.

Problems 41-42
See Example 11.

Problems 43-45
See Example 9.

Problems 46-51
See Example 12.

Note: Homework Hints are given only for the levels 1 and 2 problems. You can also check some sources for homework help on the Internet (see Links, below), or you can call the author at
(707) 829-0606 or send an e-mail to: smithkjs@mathnature.com