egyptian fractions

[kat321]

Does anyone have any idea how egyptian fractions work? am trying to work out what 15/16 is as an egyptian fraction also 8/15 and 7/24 and if anyone could give a brief outline of how exactly to work it out that would be brilliant thanks in advance.

[factor-fiction]

7/24= 3/24 +4/24
= 1/8 +1/6

8/15 = 5/15 +3/15
= 1/3 +1/5

I'll leave you to see if you can do the other.

[ChuckFickens]

They would only use 1 as a numerator and then add up several fractions to get the desired result. so

15/16 = 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16

8/15 = 1/3 + 1/5

7/24 = 1/6 + 1/8

It's explained better here..

http://www.maths.surr...actions/egyptian.html

[ChuckFickens]

oppps, sorry factor, I spoiled that one somewhat!

[factor-fiction]

You'll find 15/16 is a bit harder.
You may need an extra step
Start by looking for a half, then a quarter, then break down what's left into Egyptian fractions too.

[kat321]

Thanks i'm starting to get the idea more, fractions are never my strong point thanks again.