Fractions are stupid!
Fractions are usually the first type of math kids really hate. It's not as easy as counting "one, two, three". But, chances are you'll need to know fractions "later on"...
Chefs, mechanics, musicians, carpenters, and many others use fractions all the time!
The first fraction most people learn is "1/2" which means one half. You probably knew when you were very young exactly what one half was. It was one of two equal parts. If one part was smaller or bigger, it was defintely not one half.
The gas gauge in your car (or your boat, plane, motorcycle or most other gasoline operated machines) is probably the easiest way to understand fractions.
If the gas tank on a car holds 20 gallons of gas, and the gauge read "1/2", you have 10 gallons of gas. If your car gets 30 miles to the gallon, this means you can drive about 300 miles on a half tank of gas.
- Chefs measure recipes using 1/4 ounce, 1/2 tablespoon, 2 1/2 cups...
- Mechanics use tools like 9/16 inch wrenches, 1 7/8 inch sockets, 11/32 screws, etc...
- Musicians use 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 notes, beats, rests, etc...
- Carpenters measure wood with terms like "3/32 veneer" or "5/4 lumber", ("5/4" means 1 and 1/4 inch -- it is an improper fraction).
Fractions. Miles per gallon. Math. Not too painful, huh?
