Like Fractions

Fractions are mathematical expressions that represent a part of a whole. They consist of a numerator and a denominator, with the numerator representing the number of equal parts and the denominator representing the total number of parts.

Definition

Like fractions are fractions that have the same denominator. In other words, the denominator of like fractions is identical.

Example

Let's consider two fractions, 2/5 and 3/5. Both fractions have the same denominator, which is 5. Therefore, these fractions are like fractions.

Explanation

To determine if two fractions are like fractions, we compare their denominators. If the denominators are the same, the fractions are like fractions. If the denominators are different, the fractions are unlike fractions.

Reasoning

When fractions have the same denominator, it means that they represent the same-sized parts of a whole. For example, if we have a pizza divided into 5 equal slices, and we take 2 of those slices, we would represent it as 2/5. If we have another pizza divided into 5 equal slices and we take 3 of those slices, we would represent it as 3/5. In both cases, the denominator is 5 because the pizzas are divided into the same number of equal slices.

Alternative Scenarios

If the fractions have different denominators, they are unlike fractions. For example, if we have a pizza divided into 6 equal slices and we take 2 of those slices, we would represent it as 2/6. If we have another pizza divided into 8 equal slices and we take 3 of those slices, we would represent it as 3/8. In this case, the denominators are different (6 and 8), so the fractions are unlike fractions.

Conclusion

Like fractions are fractions that have the same denominator. This means that they represent the same-sized parts of a whole. Comparing the denominators of fractions allows us to determine if they are like or unlike fractions.