➗Fractions , Decimals & Percentages in Pharmacy

Fraction

Represents a part of a whole or set. Numerator = parts considered. Denominator = total equal parts. Example: 6/12 = 1/2

Numerator

The number on top of a fraction. Shows how many parts are being considered

Denominator

The number on bottom of a fraction. Shows total equal parts that make up the whole

Fraction Size

As denominator ↑, parts get smaller. Example: 1/2 is larger than 1/4

Reading Fractions

Fraction bar means “out of.” Example: 1/2 = 1 out of 2; 3/4 = 3 out of 4

Equivalent Fractions

Fractions that equal the same value. Example: 1/2 = 2/4

Comparing Fractions

Use fraction strips or values to compare. Example: 2/3 > 1/4

What’s the order 3/10 < 3/8 < 2/5 < 3/4

Least to Greatest

Simplifying Fractions

Reduce by dividing numerator & denominator by GCF. Ex: 18/24(fract) ÷ 6(gcf) = 3/4 if it were mixd (W x D) + N ex : 7 4/5 ~ (7×5)+4 =39 [N stays same] = 39/5

Mixed Number

Whole number + fraction (e.g., 2 3/5, 5 1/4, 7 4/5)

Improper Fraction

Numerator larger than denominator. Example: 3/2 = 1 1/2

Key Takeaways – Fractions

Show part of a whole

Can be compared, ordered, simplified

Equivalent fractions show same value

Mixed = whole + fraction

Improper = numerator larger than denominator

Converting a fraction to a decimal

Divide numerator by denominator. Example: 3/4 → 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75

Converting a decimal to a percentage

Multiply the decimal by 100. Example: 0.75 × 100 = 75% → 3/4 = 0.75 = 75%

Fraction → Decimal → Percentage example: 2/5

2 ÷ 5 = 0.4 → 0.4 × 100 = 40%

Key takeaways for fractions, decimals & percentages

Fractions, decimals, & percentages are interchangeable.

Simplify fractions first for easier calculations.

Fraction → Decimal: divide numerator by denominator.

Decimal → Percentage: multiply by 100.

Accuracy is essential in pharmacy calculations.