What is a Fraction?
A fraction represents a part of a whole.
Fractions are written with:
- a numerator (top number)
- a denominator (bottom number)
Example:
1/4
- The numerator tells how many parts are being used.
- The denominator tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
Types of Fractions
Proper Fractions
A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than the denominator.
Examples:
- 1/2
- 3/4
- 2/5
These fractions are less than 1 whole.
Improper Fractions
An improper fraction has a numerator greater than the denominator.
Examples:
- 5/4
- 7/3
These fractions are greater than 1 whole.
Mixed Numbers
A mixed number contains a whole number and a fraction.
Examples:
- 1 1/2
- 2 3/4
Real-Life Examples of Fractions
| Situation | Fraction Example |
|---|---|
| Pizza slices | 3/8 of a pizza |
| Time | Half an hour = 1/2 hour |
| Cooking | 1/4 cup of sugar |
| Money | 50 cents = 1/2 of a dollar |
| Sharing | 2/5 of students chose football |
Fractions are used in many everyday situations: