Introduction to Fractions

Hello, Year 4! Today, we are going to learn about fractions. A fraction is a way to show part of a whole. For example, if you have a pizza and you eat 1 out of 4 equal slices, you have eaten $$\frac{1}{4}$$ of the pizza.

What is a Fraction?

A fraction has two parts:

  • The top number is called the numerator. It tells us how many parts we have.
  • The bottom number is called the denominator. It tells us how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

So, in the fraction $$\frac{1}{4}$$:

  • 1 is the numerator (1 slice eaten)
  • 4 is the denominator (4 total slices)

Writing Fractions

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Identify the Whole: First, look at what you are dividing. It could be a pizza, a cake, or even a group of objects.
  2. Count the Parts: Count how many equal parts the whole is divided into. This will be your denominator.
  3. Count the Parts You Have: Next, count how many parts you are talking about. This will be your numerator.
  4. Write the Fraction: Put the numerator on top and the denominator on the bottom, with a line between them.

Example

Let’s say you have 3 out of 8 marbles that are red.

  • The whole is 8 marbles (this is your denominator).
  • You have 3 red marbles (this is your numerator).

So, you can write this as $$\frac{3}{8}$$.

Key Rules

  1. Only Equal Parts: Make sure all parts are equal when writing fractions. If they are not equal, they don’t count as a fraction.
  2. Simplifying Fractions: Sometimes, you can simplify fractions. This means reducing them to the smallest possible numbers. For example, $$\frac{2}{4}$$ can be simplified to $$\frac{1}{2}$$.
  3. Mixed Numbers: If you have a whole number and a fraction together, it’s called a mixed number. For example, 1 whole and a half can be written as $$1\frac{1}{2}$$.

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Visuals: Drawing pictures can help! If you draw a circle and divide it into slices, you can easily see the fraction.
  • Practice with Real Objects: Use food items like cakes or fruits to practice writing fractions.
  • Ask Questions: If you’re unsure, ask your teacher or a friend!

Practice Questions

Easy Level Questions

  1. Write the fraction for 2 out of 3 apples.
  2. Write the fraction for 1 out of 5 toys.
  3. Write the fraction for 4 out of 4 cookies.
  4. Write the fraction for 3 out of 6 balls.
  5. Write the fraction for 1 out of 2 sandwiches.
  6. Write the fraction for 5 out of 5 pencils.
  7. Write the fraction for 2 out of 8 stars.
  8. Write the fraction for 1 out of 10 marbles.
  9. Write the fraction for 3 out of 3 cakes.
  10. Write the fraction for 1 out of 4 books.

Medium Level Questions

  1. Write the fraction for 5 out of 12 crayons.
  2. Write the fraction for 7 out of 10 flowers.
  3. Write the fraction for 2 out of 6 biscuits.
  4. Write the fraction for 4 out of 8 slices of bread.
  5. Write the fraction for 3 out of 9 oranges.
  6. Write the fraction for 8 out of 15 stars.
  7. Write the fraction for 1 out of 6 cupcakes.
  8. Write the fraction for 5 out of 20 marbles.
  9. Write the fraction for 2 out of 5 fish.
  10. Write the fraction for 1 out of 3 pizzas.

Hard Level Questions

  1. Write the fraction for 9 out of 18 apples and simplify it.
  2. Write the fraction for 10 out of 25 pencils and simplify it.
  3. Write the fraction for 4 out of 12 chocolates and simplify it.
  4. Write the fraction for 15 out of 30 balloons and simplify it.
  5. Write the fraction for 6 out of 24 cookies and simplify it.
  6. Write the fraction for 3 out of 21 cupcakes and simplify it.
  7. Write the fraction for 5 out of 50 stars and simplify it.
  8. Write the fraction for 8 out of 32 marbles and simplify it.
  9. Write the fraction for 7 out of 14 biscuits and simplify it.
  10. Write the fraction for 12 out of 36 oranges and simplify it.

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

  1. $$\frac{2}{3}$$
  2. $$\frac{1}{5}$$
  3. $$\frac{4}{4}$$ or 1 (whole)
  4. $$\frac{3}{6}$$ or $$\frac{1}{2}$$ (simplified)
  5. $$\frac{1}{2}$$
  6. $$\frac{5}{5}$$ or 1 (whole)
  7. $$\frac{2}{8}$$ or $$\frac{1}{4}$$ (simplified)
  8. $$\frac{1}{10}$$
  9. $$\frac{3}{3}$$ or 1 (whole)
  10. $$\frac{1}{4}$$

Medium Level Answers

  1. $$\frac{5}{12}$$
  2. $$\frac{7}{10}$$
  3. $$\frac{2}{6}$$ or $$\frac{1}{3}$$ (simplified)
  4. $$\frac{4}{8}$$ or $$\frac{1}{2}$$ (simplified)
  5. $$\frac{1}{3}$$ (since 3 out of 9)
  6. $$\frac{8}{15}$$
  7. $$\frac{1}{6}$$
  8. $$\frac{1}{4}$$ (since 5 out of 20)
  9. $$\frac{2}{5}$$
  10. $$\frac{1}{3}$$

Hard Level Answers

  1. $$\frac{1}{2}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{9}{18}$$)
  2. $$\frac{2}{5}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{10}{25}$$)
  3. $$\frac{1}{3}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{4}{12}$$)
  4. $$\frac{1}{2}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{15}{30}$$)
  5. $$\frac{1}{4}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{6}{24}$$)
  6. $$\frac{1}{7}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{3}{21}$$)
  7. $$\frac{1}{10}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{5}{50}$$)
  8. $$\frac{1}{4}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{8}{32}$$)
  9. $$\frac{1}{2}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{7}{14}$$)
  10. $$\frac{1}{3}$$ (simplified from $$\frac{12}{36}$$)

Now, give these questions a try and remember to think about the whole and the parts as you write your fractions! Happy learning!