Amiyha's Fraction Friends
Learn fractions with axolotls and octopuses!
Three lessons · Animations on a loop
Lesson 1
Improper Fractions → Mixed Numbers
When the top number is BIGGER than the bottom number (like 73), it's called an improper fraction. We can rewrite it as a mixed number — a whole number plus a smaller fraction.
73 = ?
Step 1 — We have 7 thirds. Each pink slice is 13 of a pie.
Step 2 — Group 3 slices together to make 1 whole pie!
1 whole!
Step 3 — Group 3 more slices! That's 2 whole pies.
1 whole
1 whole
Step 4 — There's 1 slice left over. That's 13.
1
2
13
Step 5 — Put it all together!
73
=
213
2 and 1/3 ✓
★ ☆ ★
The Rule: To turn an improper fraction into a mixed number, divide the top by the bottom. The answer is the whole number, and the leftover (remainder) becomes the new top of the fraction.
Example: 7 ÷ 3 = 2 with 1 left over → so 73 = 213
Example: 7 ÷ 3 = 2 with 1 left over → so 73 = 213
Lesson 2
Multiplying a Whole Number × a Fraction
When you multiply a whole number by a fraction, you're making that many copies of the fraction. Let's see what 3 × 24 looks like!
3 × 24 = ?
Step 1 — 3 axolotls each holding 24 of a pizza
24
24
24
Step 2 — Add up all the slices the axolotls have!
24
+
24
+
24
2 + 2 + 2 = 6 slices total
The bottom number (4) stays the same.
Step 3 — That's 64 total!
3 × 24
=
3 × 24
=
64
Step 4 — 64 is improper. Let's group 4 slices into a whole pizza!
1 whole
1 whole + 24 left over
Step 5 — Final answer!
3 × 24
=
124
1 and 2/4 ✓
(or 1½ if we simplify!)
★ ☆ ★
The Rule: To multiply a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the top and keep the bottom the same.
Quick way: 3 × 24 = 3 × 24 = 64 = 124
Quick way: 3 × 24 = 3 × 24 = 64 = 124
Lesson 3
Dividing a Whole Number ÷ a Fraction
Dividing by a fraction asks: "How many of these little pieces fit inside the big number?" Let's find out with octopus pizzas!
4 ÷ 12 = ?
Step 1 — Here are 4 whole octopus pizzas.
1
2
3
4
Step 2 — We're asking: "How many 12's fit inside 4 wholes?"
Let's cut each pizza in half with our scissors! ✂️
Step 3 — Now we have 8 halves! Let's count them.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Step 4 — The shortcut: flip the fraction and multiply!
4 ÷ 12
=
4 × 21
=
8
When you flip 12, you get 21. Then multiply: 4 × 2 = 8!
Step 5 — Final answer!
4 ÷ 12
=
8
8 halves! ✓
★ ☆ ★
The Rule: To divide a whole number by a fraction, "Keep, Change, Flip":
• KEEP the whole number
• CHANGE the ÷ to a ×
• FLIP the fraction upside-down
Example: 4 ÷ 12 → 4 × 21 = 8
• KEEP the whole number
• CHANGE the ÷ to a ×
• FLIP the fraction upside-down
Example: 4 ÷ 12 → 4 × 21 = 8