Fractions in Pharmacy Tech Math

Fractions are used in basic Pharmacy Tech Math and should be memorized in preparation for the PTCB and ExCPT exams. Here is a brief review of rules regarding fractions.



Add or Subtract :




2
       
1

   +   

5        
3


✓ First find a
common denominator, which means make the bottom number the same in both fractions.

✓ Let's use
15 as a common denominator and then adjust the numerators.

6
       
5

   +   

15
       
15


Then add (or Subtract) straight across.
6        
5
       
11

   +   

   =   

15        
15
       
15


Video Tutorial



Multiply fractions:




7
       
2

   X   

8        
3


✓ No
common denominator necessary.

✓ Just multiply straight across.

7        
2
       
14

   X   

   =   

8        
3
       
24


✓ Then reduce / factor it into lowest possible terms.
14
       
7

   =   

24        
12


Video Tutorial



Division of fractions:




1
       
1

   ÷   

2        
6


✓ Just
FLIP over the second fraction.

✓ Then simply treat it as a multiplication problem.

1
       
6

   X   

2        
1


✓ No
common denominator necessary.

✓ Just multiply straight across.

1        
6
       
6

   X   

   =   

2        
1
       
2


✓ Then reduce / factor it into lowest possible terms.
6
       
3

   =   

2        
1


Reduce the fraction answer:

= 3



Video Tutorial


Note on dividing fractions.

Most people initially get hung up on the Division of fractions and Look at the above example and ask "How can 12 be divided by 16 and equal 3?"

So, let's think about a large Pizza. Now envision half
(12) of a large pizza sitting next to one with just one slice left (16). How many of those (16) slices would it take to equal the Half (12) of a pizza.

Some people use the wording "how many times will __
Go Into __." In this case it would be: how many times will one sixth go into one half.

The reason it seems wrong when you look at it is because only fractions behave this way and we usually use whole numbers.





Fraction Video Tutorials

By Zita Schmitt, CPhT


Addition of fractions





Subtraction of fractions





Multiplication / Division of fractions






About Video tutorials contributor -

Zita Schmitt:


(a brief autobiography)

I'm a Certified Pharmacy Technician and have been conducting PCTB Review Sessions since 2001. My work in Pharmacy started in October of 1986 under the gentle guidance of a great mentor: John R. Chan.

Pharmacy provided me with a home away from home, with a second family and place where I grew as a person. Working for the same company for 23 years gave me the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge and move up gradually. By the time I left, I had been a pharmacy trainer for 29+ retail stores. Each had an average of 4-5 Techs which received guidance from me on a regular basis.

After seven years in this position, I had interacted with many great technicians, cashiers, pharmacists, store staff and management. This is the interaction that I miss! Through my
Youtube Channel, I hope to serve as guidance to those seeking to pass the PTCB Exam.

Feel free to email me at [email protected] or leave a private message via my channel if you have any question.

"The only limitation you face, is the one you place on yourself. It is time to break free and be who you choose to be."
-zms 2010





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