In Mathematics, a fraction defined as the part of the whole thing. For example, a pizza is divided into four equal pieces, then each piece is represented by ¼. Fractions help to distribute and judge the numbers easily and make the calculation faster. Instead of using decimal values, the representation of fractions looks simpler.

Definition of fraction in Maths

In Maths, a fraction is used to represent the portion/part of the whole thing. It represents the equal parts of the whole. A fraction has two parts, namely numerator and denominator. The number on the top is called the numerator, and the number on the bottom is called the denominator. The numerator defines the number of equal parts taken, whereas the denominator defines the total number of equal parts in a whole.

For example, 5/10 is a fraction.

Here, 5 is a numerator and 10 is a denominator.

Real Life Examples

In real life, we will many examples of fractions, such as:

• If a pizza is divided into two equal parts, then each part is equal to half of the whole pizza
• If we divide a slice of watermelon into three equal parts then each part is equal 1/3rd of the whole

Types of Fractions

There are four different types of fractions. They are:

• Unit Fraction – In a fraction, the numerator with 1 is called a unit fraction. For example, ½, ¼
• Proper Fraction – If a numerator value is less than the denominator value, it is called a proper fraction. Example: 7/9, 8/10
• Improper Fraction – If a numerator value is greater than the denominator value, then it is called an improper fraction. Example: 6/5, 11/10
• Mixed Fraction – If a fraction consists of a whole number with a proper fraction, it is called a mixed fraction. Example 5 ¾, 10 ½

Other Types

• Like Fractions – The fractions with the same denominator are called like fractions.

Example: 4/2, 7/2, 9/2

Here, the denominators of all the fractions are 2. Hence, they are called like fractions.

• Unlike Fractions – The fractions with different denominators are called, unlike fractions.

Example: 5/2, 4/6, 9/4

Here, the denominator values are different in all the fractions. Hence, they are called, unlike fractions.

• Equivalent Fractions – If two fractions result in same value, after simplification, then they are equivalent to each other. 

Example: ⅔ and 4/6 are equivalent fractions, since 4/6 = (2×2)/(2×3) = 2/3

Fraction Examples

Question:

Determine the type of fractions given below:

(a) 5 ⅓

(b) 4/6, 8/6, 9/6

Solution:

(a) 5 ⅓ – The given fraction is a mixed fraction. Because it is a combination of both whole number and a proper fraction.

(b) 4/6, 8/6, 9/6 – The given fractions are like fractions. Because the denominators of all the fractions are the same, i.e. 6.

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