What Are Fractions? Simple Explanation with Real-Life Examples
A fraction is a whole or part of a set of objects. A fraction consists of two parts separated by a line. The number present at the top of the line is the numerator. It tells you how many equal parts of a whole or set are. The number present below the line is the denominator. Displays the total number of equal parts divided by the whole or the total number of equal objects in a collection.
Example Of Fraction
Parts of a Fraction
Every fraction has a numerator and a denominator divided by a horizontal bar defined as the fractional bar.
The denominator represents the number of components into which the whole has been subdivided. It is positioned below the fractional bar at the lowest section of the fraction.
The numerator specifies how many fractional parts are depicted or selected. It is positioned above the fractional bar at the upper section of the fraction.
For example, \[\dfrac{5}{7}\] in this fraction, the numerator 5 is, and the denominator is 7.
Parts of a Fraction
Types of Fraction With Example
The different types of fractions depend on the numerator and denominator.
Proper fraction - Proper fractions are the ones whose numerator is less than the denominator is called a proper fraction. For example, \[\dfrac{2}{5},\dfrac{{15}}{{16}}\].
Improper fraction - Fractions whose numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator are called improper fractions. For example, \[\dfrac{7}{3},\dfrac{{45}}{{13}}\] are improper fractions.
Mixed fractions - A mixed fraction contains a whole number and a proper fraction. For example, \[8\dfrac{{13}}{{20}}\]. .
Like fractions - If two or more fractions have the same denominator, they are said to be like fractions. For example, \[\dfrac{3}{{11}},\dfrac{5}{{11}},\dfrac{7}{{11}}\] all have the same denominator 11.
Unlike fractions - When two or more fractions have different denominators, they are said to be unlike fractions. For example, \[\dfrac{5}{9},\dfrac{7}{{11}},\dfrac{9}{{13}}\] have different denominators. If fractions are unlike when adding or subtracting fractions, they are converted to like fractions.
Equivalent fraction - Equal fractions are fractions whose numerator and denominator are different but have the same value when simplified or reduced. So, fractions of equal value are called equivalent fractions. For example, \[\dfrac{4}{8},\dfrac{{11}}{{22}},\dfrac{{12}}{{24}}\] are equivalent fractions because they all reduce to \[\dfrac{1}{2}\].
Unit fraction - A fraction is a fraction whose numerator is 1, and the denominator is a positive integer. For example, \[\dfrac{1}{2},\dfrac{1}{{47}}\] etc. are called unit fractions.
Conclusion
Fractions are the particular part of a whole number. The part above the bar is the numerator, and the part below the bar is the denominator. Different types of fractions are based on their numerator and denominator. We must change the fractions into like fractions to apply any arithmetic operation like addition or subtraction.
Solved Examples
1. The fractions \[\dfrac{4}{{12}},\dfrac{8}{{24}},\dfrac{{11}}{{33}}\] are
a. like fractions
b. unlike fractions
c. equivalent fractions
d. unit fractions
Ans: Equivalent fraction
Explanation: The fractions are equivalent as when they have simplified, the result we get is \[\dfrac{1}{3}\], making them an equivalent fraction.
2. The reciprocal of \[\dfrac{{10}}{{78}}\] will be
a. \[\dfrac{1}{{78}}\]
b. \[\dfrac{{78}}{{10}}\]
c. \[\dfrac{{100}}{{78}}\]
d. \[\dfrac{{10}}{{780}}\]
Ans: \[\dfrac{{78}}{{10}}\]
Explanation: The reciprocal of the number can be done when we reverse the place of the numerator with the denominator and the denominator with the numerator.
3. The fractions \[\dfrac{1}{{56}},\dfrac{1}{2},\dfrac{1}{8}\] are
a. like fractions
b. unlike fractions
c. equivalent fractions
d. unit fractions
Ans: Unit fractions
Explanation: The fractions with 1 in their numerator are known as unit fractions.
FAQs on Fractions for Kids: Learn & Practice Easily
1. What is a fraction in simple words for kids?
Think of a whole pizza. A fraction is a way to represent a part of that whole pizza. If you cut the pizza into 4 equal slices and take 1 slice, you have 1/4 of the pizza. It simply tells you how many parts of a whole you have. Fractions are used to show parts of a single item or parts of a group.
2. What are the two main parts of a fraction called?
Every fraction is made up of two key numbers, stacked on top of each other:
- The numerator is the top number. It tells us how many equal parts we are talking about.
- The denominator is the bottom number. It tells us the total number of equal parts the whole has been divided into.
3. What is the difference between a proper fraction and an improper fraction?
The main difference is their value compared to one whole. A proper fraction always has a numerator that is smaller than its denominator (like 2/5 or 3/8). This means its value is always less than 1. An improper fraction has a numerator that is larger than or equal to its denominator (like 7/4 or 5/5). This means its value is 1 or more than 1.
4. How can drawing help me understand fractions easily?
Drawing is one of the best ways to learn about fractions. To understand a fraction like 3/4, you can draw a shape like a circle or a square. First, divide the shape into 4 equal parts (this is your denominator). Then, colour in 3 of those parts (this is your numerator). This simple picture gives you a clear visual of what the fraction represents, making it much easier to understand than just looking at the numbers.
5. Why can a fraction never have zero as its denominator?
This is a great conceptual question! The denominator's job is to tell us how many equal pieces something is divided into. You can divide a cake into 2, 4, or even 100 pieces. However, you cannot divide a cake into zero pieces – it's impossible and doesn't make logical sense. Since dividing by zero is undefined in maths, the denominator of a fraction can never be 0.
6. What is a mixed fraction and how is it related to an improper fraction?
A mixed fraction (or mixed number) is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction, for example, 2 ½. This represents two whole items and a half of another. It is directly related to an improper fraction because they can represent the same value. For instance, the mixed fraction 2 ½ is the same as the improper fraction 5/2. They are just two different ways to write a number that is greater than one.
7. How do I add two fractions that have the same denominator?
Adding fractions with the same denominator is very straightforward. You only need to add the numerators (the top numbers) together, and the denominator (the bottom number) stays the same. For example, to add 2/8 + 3/8, you add the numerators 2 + 3 to get 5. The denominator remains 8. So, the answer is 5/8.
8. Can you give some examples of how fractions are used in real life?
Yes, fractions are all around us in our daily activities! Here are a few examples:
- Cooking and Baking: Recipes often call for ingredients in fractional amounts, like '½ cup of sugar' or '¾ teaspoon of salt'.
- Telling Time: When we say 'half past three' or 'a quarter to six', we are using fractions of an hour.
- Sharing: If you share a pizza with 3 friends (4 people in total), each person gets ¼ of the pizza.
