fraction

Everyday

1. A fraction is a part of a whole, like one half or three quarters. It is written with one number over another, like 3/4. tree →
2. The bottom number (denominator) tells how many equal parts the whole has; the top number (numerator) tells how many parts we take. tree →
3. A fraction of something can also mean a very small part of it. tree →

In the lessons

maths: a part of a whole or of a group; problems ask for a fraction of an amount or what fraction is left; equal fractions, comparing and adding fractions; everyday life: half a pizza, a quarter of an hour; science: a fraction of a second

Examples

• What fraction of the pizza is left? tree →
• She ate 2/8 of the cake. tree →
• A fraction of the class walks to school. tree →
• Write the fraction of red balls. tree →
• 1/3 of 12 apples is 4 apples. tree →
• One half and two quarters are equal fractions. tree →
• A quarter of an hour is 15 minutes. tree →
• The light flashed for a fraction of a second. tree →

Note

«A fraction of» an amount means multiply (or divide by the bottom number and multiply by the top). Trap: «what fraction is left» needs the part left over the whole, not the part taken. The parts must be equal for a fraction.