Maths Olympiad · topic 9 of 33 · free

Fractions — Maths Olympiad practice

Fraction questions test whether you really understand fractions. The famous trap is adding tops and bottoms (1/2 + 1/3 is not 2/5). Compare by cross-multiplying, add with a common bottom, and find a fraction of a number by dividing then multiplying.

How to solve it

Cross-multiply to compare — “a/b is bigger than c/d when a × d is bigger than c × b”

  1. Compare a/b and c/d: work out a × d and c × b — the bigger product goes with the bigger fraction.
  2. Add: make the bottoms the same (use the LCM), add the tops, then simplify.
  3. Fraction of a number: divide by the bottom, multiply by the top (3/4 of 48 = 48 ÷ 4 × 3 = 36).

Use it for: Comparing, ordering and adding fractions, and sharing questions in Class 4–7 papers.

Worked example: Which fraction is greater: 3/5 or 4/7? 3/5

  1. Cross-multiply: 3 × 7 = 21 and 4 × 5 = 20.
  2. 21 > 20, so 3/5 is greater.

Check: 3/5 = 21/35 and 4/7 = 20/35, and 21/35 > 20/35 ✓

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