General Principles of Fractions

Algebra Help: Section 3.2

Three general principles of fractions include division or multiplication of the numerator or denominator.

Change of Value

Multiplying the numerator multiplies the fraction, and dividing the numerator divides the fraction.
Multiplying the denominator divides the fraction, and dividing the denominator multiplies the fraction.
Multiplying or dividing both numerator and denominator by the same quantity does not alter the value of the fraction.

General Law

A change in the numerator produces a like change in the value of the fraction; but a change in the denominator produces an opposite change in the value of the fraction.

Change of Sign

Changing the sign of either numerator or denominator, changes the real sign of the fraction.
Changing the signs of both numerator and denominator at the same time, does not alter the real sign of the fraction.
Changing the apparent sign of the fraction changes the real sign.

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Free tutorials provide math help for math problems. Tutorials start with algebra 1. Algebra tutorials include word problems related to algebra topics, as they're introduced. See the menu, above for algebra math equations, and explanation, by section.

Windows algebra games, designed to help with classwork, coming soon! Windows games, in progress, work with this set of free tutorials, modified from the public domain text book titled, New Elementary Algebra containing the rudiments of the science for schools and academies. By Horation N Robinison, LL. D. Ivison, Blakeman & Company, Publishers, New York and Chicago.