Q:

# What is fractional notation?

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Fractional notation is a form that non-whole numbers can be written in, with the basic form a/b. Fractional notation is often the preferred form to work with if a calculator is not available.

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There are two general forms that non-whole numbers can be written in: fractional and decimal. For decimal notation, any part of a number is simply written after the decimal. For example, 9/2 is equal to 4.5, where 0.5 is the non-whole part left over. Numbers in decimal form can be added directly to each other in all situations, while fractions can only be added to each other directly if they share a common denominator.

## Similar Questions

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In mapmaking, a fractional scale refers to the proportion of map distance to the actual distance on the ground. It can be expressed in fractional form or as a ratio.

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A calculator is always helpful when determining percentages, but you can easily compute percentages without a calculator. A pencil and paper might be helpful as you do this.

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The decimal number 0.4 is equivalent to 4/10 in fraction form. This fraction can be reduced to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). The GCF of four and 10 is two. Therefore, 0.4 is equal to 2/5.