A fraction is a part of a whole. Cut a chapati into 4 equal pieces and take 1 — that's ¼. The bottom number, the denominator, says how many equal parts the whole is split into. The top number, the numerator, says how many parts you have.
Types of fractions
- ✓ Proper fraction: numerator smaller than denominator, e.g. ¾. Its value is less than 1.
- ✓ Improper fraction: numerator equal to or bigger than denominator, e.g. 7/4. Its value is 1 or more.
- ✓ Mixed fraction: a whole number with a proper fraction, e.g. 1¾. (7/4 = 1¾.)
- ✓ Unit fraction: numerator is 1, e.g. ⅕.
Equivalent fractions
Different fractions can name the same amount. Half a cake is ½, 2/4 or 4/8 — all equal. You get an equivalent fraction by multiplying (or dividing) the top and bottom by the same number: ½ × 2/2 = 2/4. To write a fraction in its simplest form, divide top and bottom by their highest common factor: 6/8 ÷ 2/2 = ¾.
Comparing fractions
If the denominators are the same, the bigger numerator wins: ⅗ > ⅖. If they're different, first make the denominators equal (find a common denominator), then compare the numerators.
Adding and subtracting fractions
The golden rule: the bottoms must match first.
- ✓ Same denominator: add the numerators, keep the denominator. ⅖ + ⅕ = ⅗.
- ✓ Different denominators: make them equal, then add. ½ + ¼ = 2/4 + ¼ = ¾.
Want this taught step by step?
Fractions click much faster when each step is shown and your child can try one themselves. Upload the chapter to Tutorfic and it works through examples one move at a time, in your child's language, then sets a short quiz with the reasoning behind each answer. It's one of all the Class 6 subjects Tutorfic teaches.