This chapter introduces the concept of fractions, which represent a part of a whole. When something is divided into equal parts, a fraction tells us how many parts are taken. For example, ½ means 1 out of 2 equal parts.
Students learn about the two important parts of a fraction:
Numerator – The top number showing the parts taken.
Denominator – The bottom number showing the total equal parts.
The chapter explains different types of fractions:
Proper Fractions (numerator less than denominator)
Improper Fractions (numerator greater than denominator)
Mixed Fractions (a whole number and a proper fraction together)
Students also understand equivalent fractions, which look different but have the same value (like ½ = 2/4). They learn about like fractions (same denominator) and unlike fractions (different denominators).
The chapter teaches how to:
Compare fractions (by checking numerators or finding LCM when needed)
Add and subtract fractions (same denominator – simple addition/subtraction; different denominators – make them same using LCM first)
Through examples and daily life situations such as sharing food, dividing money, and measuring lengths, students understand how fractions are used in real life.
Overall, this chapter builds a strong foundation in understanding, comparing, and performing basic operations with fractions.
Key Points
• Fraction represents a part of a whole. Example: ½ means 1 part out of 2 equal parts.
• Parts of a Fraction –
Numerator: The top number (shows parts taken).
Denominator: The bottom number (shows total equal parts).
• Types of Fractions –
Proper Fraction: Numerator < Denominator (e.g., 3/4).
Improper Fraction: Numerator > Denominator (e.g., 7/5).
Mixed Fraction: Whole number + proper fraction (e.g., 2 ½).
• Equivalent Fractions: Fractions that look different but are equal (e.g., ½ = 2/4 = 4/8).
• Like Fractions: Fractions with the same denominator (e.g., 3/7, 5/7).
• Unlike Fractions: Fractions with different denominators (e.g., 2/3, 3/5).
• Comparison of Fractions:
If denominators are same → compare numerators.
If denominators are different → make them same by LCM.
• Addition/Subtraction of Fractions:
Same denominator → add/subtract numerators.
Different denominator → find LCM, convert, then add/subtract.
Fractions are used in daily life: sharing food, dividing money, measuring lengths.
👉 👉 Fractions help us understand sharing and equal division in daily life. Learning fractions builds strong foundations for higher maths.