We can measure the fraction of time by comparing a specific duration to a larger time period.
Based on the provided reference, an example of measuring a fraction of time is determining what fraction of a day is represented by 12 hours. Since there are 24 hours in a day, 12 hours represents 12/24 (or 1/2) of the day. This is calculated by dividing the specific duration (12 hours) by the total duration (24 hours in a day).
Here's a breakdown:
- Identify the specific duration: This is the amount of time you want to express as a fraction. (e.g., 12 hours).
- Identify the total duration: This is the larger time period to which you're comparing the specific duration. (e.g., 1 day, which equals 24 hours).
- Create a fraction: Write the specific duration as the numerator and the total duration as the denominator. (e.g., 12/24).
- Simplify the fraction (if possible): Reduce the fraction to its simplest form. (e.g., 12/24 simplifies to 1/2).
Therefore, the fraction of time is calculated as:
Fraction of Time = (Specific Duration) / (Total Duration)
For instance:
-
What fraction of an hour is 15 minutes?
- Specific Duration: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: 1 hour = 60 minutes
- Fraction: 15/60 = 1/4
Another example from the reference:
- 12 hours is what fraction of a day (24 hours)?
- 12 hours / 24 hours = 1/2