Meaning & use
complex fractions
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Meanings
nounpluralmathematics
Fractions in which the numerator, the denominator, or both are themselves fractions or contain fractions.
Grammar: Usually plural; a single one is a complex fraction.
Patterns
- a complex fraction with a fraction in the numerator
- simplify complex fractions
The worksheet asked students to simplify complex fractions such as (1/2) / (3/4).
A complex fraction can look messy, but you can rewrite it as a division problem.
She converted the complex fraction into a simple fraction by multiplying by the reciprocal.
nounpluralmathematics
A fraction whose numerator or denominator contains a fraction, often used in algebra before simplification.
Grammar: Used mainly in math textbooks and lessons; the singular form is 'complex fraction'.
Patterns
- solve complex fractions
- complex fractions in algebra
In algebra, complex fractions often appear after combining rational expressions.
The teacher explained that complex fractions are not a different kind of number, just a different way of writing one.
He practiced complex fractions until he could simplify them quickly.
Word forms
| singular | complex fraction |
|---|
Common combinations
- simplify complex fractions
- We learned to simplify complex fractions by finding a common denominator.
- complex fraction with variables
- A complex fraction with variables can be simplified using the same rules.
- convert a complex fraction
- Convert the complex fraction to a simple fraction before adding it.
- complex fractions worksheet
- The complex fractions worksheet had ten problems.
Synonyms and how they differ
- compound fraction
- A less common term for the same idea; 'complex fraction' is the standard term in modern school math.
- nested fraction
- Sometimes used for a fraction inside a fraction; it emphasizes the layered structure rather than the general math term.
Opposites
Word family
- fraction noun
- A number that shows part of a whole, written as one number over another.
- fractional adjective
- Relating to fractions or forming a part of something.
- complex adjective
- Made of connected parts; not simple.
Commonly confused: complex fractions or improper fraction? complex fractions or mixed number?
complex fractions vs improper fraction
An improper fraction has a numerator larger than its denominator, such as 5/4; a complex fraction has a fraction within it.
complex fractions vs mixed number
A mixed number combines a whole number and a fraction, like 2 1/3; it is not the same as a complex fraction.
Practice
Which expression is a complex fraction?
Choose one answer.
A complex fraction has a fraction in the numerator or denominator, as in (1/2)/(3/5). 3/4 is a simple fraction, 7/2 is improper, and 2 1/3 is a mixed number.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “complex fractions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.