Decomposing fractions means breaking a fraction into a sum of smaller fractions, usually called unit fractions. A unit fraction is a fraction with the number 1 as the numerator, such as 1/2 or 1/5.
Decomposing helps you understand the size of fractions and how they are built from unit fractions.
To decompose a fraction, write it as a sum of unit fractions. Each unit fraction has the same denominator as the original fraction.
The denominator tells how many equal parts make a whole. The numerator tells how many unit fractions you need.
A fraction can often be decomposed in more than one way. You can use only unit fractions or mix larger fractions and unit fractions.
Different decompositions can all be correct as long as the sums are equal to the original fraction.
Decomposing fractions makes it easier to add, subtract, and understand fractions in word problems.
When working with fractions, breaking them apart helps you see connections and solve problems more flexibly.