A fraction simply tells how many parts of a whole. It is symbolized by using a slash between two numbers. Like this 2/4. The number on top is the numerator, while the number below is the denominator. In the given example, the number on top 2 happens to be the numerator while the number on the bottom, 4 will end up being the denominator. A fraction is a word that originated from Latin. In Latin, Fractus means broken. It is entirely too apt, the meaning fits beautifully with its purpose. Since a fraction represents the part of a whole, or more generally any number of equal parts.
Fractions in maths are painful if you do not grasp the underlying concept behind it. Fractions form an important part of our daily lives. We have to willingly or unwillingly share that yummy pizza amongst our friends and families. Three people, four slices.
If you learn and visualize fractions the easy way, it will be more fun and exciting. Slice an apple, and we get fractions.
Type of Fractions
There is also a concept called proper fractions, improper fractions like and unlike fractions.
Proper Fractions
The proper fractions are those where the numerator is less than the denominator. For example, 8/9 will be a proper fraction since “numerator < denominator”.
Improper Fractions
The improper fractions, as one can deduce, is the fractions where the numerator happens to be greater than the denominator. For example, 9/8 will be an improper fraction since “denominator < numerator”.
Like Fractions
like fractions are those fractions, as the name suggests, that are alike or same.
For example, take ½ and 2/4; they are alike since if you simplify it mathematically, you will get the same fraction.
Unlike Fractions
the unlike fractions, are those that are dissimilar.
For example, ½ and 1/3 are unlike fractions.
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
You can quickly add fractions with the same denominator. Just add the numerator, keeping the denominator same.
If the Denominator is the same, adding and subtracting fractions is an easy task. But how do you add 2/4 + 3/9?
Or how will you solve 6/12- 3/27? This is adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
Click here to learn in detail about addition and subtraction of fractions
We can multiply fractions, divide fractions, divide fractions by fractions and so much more.
Read more:
Daily Life Examples:
Let us visualize some of the fractions examples:
- Imagine a pie with four slices. Taking two slices of pie for yourself would mean that you have two out of the four. Hence, you represent it as 2/4.
- Fill half a glass of water. What do you see? 1/2 glass is full. Or 1/2 glass is empty. This 1/2 is fractions where 1 is the Numerator that is, the number of parts we have. And 2 is the Denominator, the number of parts the whole glass is divided into.
Question Problems
Question 1: Is 12/6 a fraction?
Solution: Yes, it is. It is called an improper fraction.
Question 2: Convert 130.1200 into fraction.
Solution: Here will use the concept of how to convert decimals into fractions
130.1200 = 130.1200/10000
= 13012/100
Question 3: Add 3/ 5 and 10/15
Solution:
3 /5 + 10/15
LCM of 5 and 15 is 15
= (9 + 10)/15
= 19/15
A lot of word problems on fractions appear in our textbooks to compare fractions, multiply mixed numbers and improper fractions, decimals, and fractions. Confusing? It will become easy if you visualize the number fractions and then solve systematically. Learn about types of fractions by visiting BYJU’S. BYJU’S provides students with maths concepts as well so that students can practice and solve problems easily.
