What is a Fraction? - Definition Facts & Example (2024)

What is a Fraction?

Fractions represent the parts of a whole or collection of objects. A fraction has two parts. The number on the top of the line is called the numerator. It tells how many equal parts of the whole or collection are taken. The number below the line is called the denominator. It shows the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into or the total number of the same objects in a collection.

Fraction of a Whole

When the whole is divided into equal parts, the number of parts we take makes up a fraction.

If a cake is divided into eight equal pieces and one piece of the cake is placed on a plate, then each plate is said to have $\frac{1}{8}$ of the cake. It is read as ‘one-eighth’ or ‘1 by 8’

Fraction of a Collection of Objects

There are a total of 5 children.

3 out of 5 are girls. So, the fraction of girls is three-fifths ( $\frac{3}{5}$ ).

2 out of 5 are boys. So, the fraction of boys is two-fifths ( $\frac{2}{5}$ ).

Equal and Unequal Parts

To identify the fraction, the whole must be divided into equal parts.

Representing a Fraction

A fraction can be represented in 3 ways: as a fraction, as a percentage, or as a decimal. Let us see each of the three forms of representation.

Fractional Representation,

The first and most common form of representing a fraction is $\frac{a}{b}$. Here, a is the numerator, and b is the denominator. Both the numerator and denominator are separated by a horizontal bar.

Example: We can understand the fraction $\frac{3}{4}$ as follows.

Numerator: 3

Denominator: 4

The fraction represents three parts when a whole is divided into four equal parts.

Decimal Representation

In this format, the fraction is represented as a decimal number.

Example: The fraction $\frac{3}{4}$ can be shown as a decimal by dividing the numerator (3) by the denominator (4). $\frac{3}{4}$ = 0.75.

Thus, in decimal representation, $\frac{3}{4}$ is written as 0.75.

Percentage Representation

In this representation, a fraction is multiplied by 100 to convert it into a percentage.

Example: If we want to represent as a percentage, we should multiply $\frac{3}{4}$ by 100.

$\frac{3}{4}$ x 100 = 0.75 x 100 = 75. Thus, we can represent $\frac{3}{4}$ as 75%.

Fractions on Number Line

Fractions can be represented on a number line, as shown below.

Types of Fractions

The primary parts of a fraction are the numerator and the denominator. Based on these, different types of fractions can be defined. Let us look at some common types of fractions.

Mixed Fractions to Improper Fractions

Mixed fractions can be converted to improper fractions by multiplying the whole number by the denominator and adding it to the numerator. It becomes the new numerator, and the denominator remains unchanged.

Example: 8$\frac{2}{3}$ = $\frac{(8 \times 3) + 2}{3}$ = $\frac{26}{3}$

Conclusion

The easiest way to teach this topic to kids is by helping them visualize the fractions. This can be done with the help of paper cutouts or interactive online games like the ones available at SplashLearn. Check the SplashLearn website for fun ways to learn different mathematical concepts.

Solved Examples on Fractions

1. Convert the mixed number 4$\frac{3}{5}$ to an improper fraction.

Solution: 4$\frac{3}{5}$ = $\frac{(4 ✕ 5) + 3}{5}$ = $\frac{20 + 3}{5}$ = $\frac{23}{5}$

2.Are the fractions $\frac{14}{20}$ and $\frac{7}{10}$ equivalent?

Solution:

Simplest form of $\frac{14}{20}$ = $\frac{7}{10}$

Simplest form of $\frac{7}{10}$ = $\frac{7}{10}$

Since the simplest form of both fractions is $\frac{7}{10}$, we can say that the two fractions are equivalent.

3. From the following fractions, separate proper fraction and improper fraction

$\frac{9}{2}$, $\frac{4}{11}$, $\frac{16}{16}$, $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{7}{9}$, $\frac{5}{6}$

Solution:

Proper fraction: $\frac{4}{11}$, $\frac{2}{3}$, $\frac{7}{9}$, $\frac{5}{6}$

Improper fraction: $\frac{9}{2}$, $\frac{16}{16}$

4. Convert $\frac{2}{5}$ as a percentage.

Solution:

$\frac{2}{5} \times 100%$ = 40%

Practice Problems on Fractions

Frequently Asked Questions on Fractions