Types of Fractions in Mathematics Explained

In mathematics, fractions are categorised into three main types: proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed fractions. A fraction is a term that consists of a numerator and a denominator, and its type is determined based on these two parts.

Fractions represent parts of a whole object. For example, if a pizza is cut into four equal slices, each slice is represented as 1/4 of the pizza. Here, the number 1 is the numerator, and 4 is the denominator.

In addition to the three main types of fractions, there are three more categories: like fractions, unlike fractions, and equivalent fractions. Therefore, there are a total of six types of fractions: proper fractions, improper fractions, mixed fractions, like fractions, unlike fractions, and equivalent fractions.

What is a Fraction?

A fraction is a portion of a whole object. The fraction indicates how many parts you have of anything when it is divided into several pieces. It is expressed as the number of equal parts counted (the numerator) divided by the total number of parts (the denominator).

Fraction

Types of Fractions with Examples

In Maths, there are three Different Types of Fractions They are 

• Proper Fractions, 

• Improper Fractions

• Mixed Fractions.

1. Proper Fraction

A proper fraction is one in which the numerator (number of equal parts counted) is less than the denominator (total number of parts). These fractions are all less than on the number line.

Proper Fraction

The above pizza example, with each person receiving ⅜ th of the pizza, demonstrates a proper fraction.

2. Improper Fraction

An improper fraction occurs when the numerator (number of equal parts counted) is greater than the denominator (total number of parts). These fractions are greater than one and lie on the number line beyond one. When more than one thing is divided into equal halves, they come into play. The number of equal parts is represented by the denominator. The numerator represents the number of available parts.

For example, there are a total of 8 slices in each. One has 8 slices left, and the other has only 6 slices. So, the fraction representing;

Improper Fraction

Improper Fraction with 6 Parts

Addition of both pizza’s parts and whole = $1+\dfrac{6}{8}=\dfrac{14}{8}$

3. Mixed Fraction

As the name suggests, it combines a whole and a 'part.' By dividing the numerator by the denominator and obtaining the quotient and remainder, an improper fraction can be stated as a mixed fraction.

For example: $2 \dfrac{4}{6}$

4. Unlike Fractions

Fractions with different denominators are called unlike fractions. Here the denominators of fractions have different values.

So, it can also be defined as fractions having the same numerator and different denominators are known as unlike fractions.

For example: $\dfrac{4}{7}, \dfrac{4}{5}, \dfrac{4}{11}, \dfrac{4}{13}, \dfrac{4}{15}$

5. Like Fractions

Fractions with same denominator and different numerators are known as like fractions.

For example: $\dfrac{7}{8}, \dfrac{12}{8}, \dfrac{15}{8}, \dfrac{9}{8}, \dfrac{23}{8}$

6. Unit Fractions or Unique Fractions

Fractions that have 1 as a numerator are known as unit fractions or unique fractions.

For Examples: $\dfrac{1}{2}, \dfrac{1}{3}, \dfrac{1}{4}$

7. Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same value when simplified.

For example: $\dfrac{1}{2} \text { and } \dfrac{50}{100}$ are equivalent to 0.5. As a result, these are comparable fractions.

Summary

This article discusses that a fraction is a portion of a complete part of the object. The fraction shows how many parts you have of anything when divided into several pieces. It is expressed as the number of equal parts counted (numerator) divided by the total number of parts (denominator). There are 7 kinds of fractions; Proper Fractions, Improper Fractions, Mixed Fractions, Like Fractions, Unit Fractions, Equivalent Fractions and Same Numerator Fractions. If you enjoyed reading this and want to learn more about fractions, visit our website.