Year 4 Maths: Writing Fractions

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

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

• 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

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!