A fraction is a number written in the form a/b, where a and b are whole numbers. In this fraction, a is the numerator (the “top”) and b is the denominator (the “bottom”). The fraction a/b is spoken as “a over b” in general.
The line in the fraction is equivalent to the sign for division, so a ÷ b =a/b.
Students are normally introduced to fractions as parts of a whole. Positive fractions less than one whole are known as proper fractions. Fractions can also be greater than one whole. These are expressed either as improper fractions or mixed numbers:
- In improper fractions (also but less commonly known as vulgar fractions), the numerator is greater than the denominator e.g. 25/7 which can be spoken as “twenty-five over seven” or “twenty-five sevenths.”
- A mixed number consists of a whole number and a proper fraction e.g. 34/7 which can be spoken as “three and four over seven” or “three and four-sevenths.”
Fractions can be converted into percentages and decimals.
Relevant lessons:- N1c – Equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions
- N1d – Ordering fractions
- N1e – Ordering integers, decimals and fractions and using the symbols =, ≠, <, >, ≤, ≥
- N2f – Applying the four operations to fractions
- N8a – Calculating exactly with fractions and with multiples of π
- N10a – Converting terminating decimals into fractions and vice versa
- N10b – Converting recurring decimals into fractions and vice versa
- N11a – Identifying and working with fractions in ratio problems
- N12a – Interpreting fractions and percentages as operators
- A4f – Algebraic manipulation involving surds and fractions
- A4g – Adding and subtracting algebraic fractions
- A4h – Multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions
- R6a – Expressing a multiplicative relationship between two quantities as a ratio or a fraction
- R8a – Relating ratios to fractions and to linear functions
- R9a – Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages