1. take the even number that is closest to half the 5 (2) 2. add the numerator and the denominator (3+4=7) this becomes the new numerator (7) 3. double the denominator (2X4=8) this becomes the new denominator. so half of 5 3/8 (in your head) becomes 2 7/8 this works with any odd number and a fraction. now you try it with 7 1/4 3 5 8 = 3 5/8