A Clear Note on Fractions

The fractions are a portion of a larger quantity, where the larger quantity can be any numeral, a specified value, or an object. Numerator and denominator are two terms that can be used to divide fractions.

In mathematics, we are introduced to the concept of fractions. There are different types of fractions such as proper, mixed, improper fractions, and so on. 

Every quantity we encounter in our daily lives cannot be a perfect whole number. As a result, we’ll have to work with fractions, portions on the whole, and parts of the whole. The term “fractions” refers to the division of the whole entity into its constituent parts. When one pizza is split into four parts, for instance, we conclude that every piece is ¼ of the total.

What exactly are fractions?

Let’s start with a definition of fractions. A ‘fraction’ is a numerical amount that is a component of a larger set. With the help of an example, we can comprehend fractions. 

Let’s say that a gigantic cake which we can divide into 8 proportionate parts. The slice’s portion is then merely 1/8th of the whole cake quantity. 1/8 is determined to be a fraction in this case.

The numerator is at the top of the fraction, while the denominator is at the bottom. In the instance quoted, the numerator is 1, and 8 is the denominator. In our daily lives, we don’t always interact with full objects. Parts or pieces of full items must sometimes be dealt with. We’ll need fractions to measure them.

Fractions and their parts

The number of pieces you have is represented by the numerator, which is the first half of a fraction. The numerator in the case below is 4.

 

The half at the bottom of a fraction describes the amount over which the entire element is divided is called the denominator. The 7 is the denominator in the above case.

The denominator and numerator are divided by a line.

The complete fraction is denoted as ‘4 by 7’, as seen in the illustration above. Similarly, 1/4 is denoted as ‘1 by 4’ and 3/4 as ‘3 by 4’.

What numerous types do fractions have? 

So, what are the seven different types of fractions? Now, let’s explore how many distinct categories of fractions there are since we understand what is the meaning of fractions and what pieces make up a fraction. Fractions are categorized into the following types based on their denominators and numerators:

The Use of Proper Fractions

Definition of a Proper Fraction: Whenever the numerator part of a fraction will be lower when compared to the denominator part, in that case, the fraction will be known as a proper. In this kind the addition of fractions is simple.

Improper Fractions

An improper fraction is one in which the numerator part is larger when compared to the denominator.

Because the part of the denominator is indeed 1, any natural integer can be represented and determined to be improper fraction. Additionally, every improper fraction is greater than or equal to one.

Fractions that are mixed

Mixed fractions is a fraction that contains both a fraction and a natural numeral. It is likely to convert an improper fraction to a mixed fraction, which is true in the reverse order as well. There is no chance that mixed fractions will have a smaller value than one.

Like Fractions 

Meaning of Like Fraction: Such Fractions with like denominators are known as like fractions. The fractions 3/7, 2/7, 6/7, and 5/7, For example, every number has a common denominator as 7. 

It’s simple to simplify like fractions. If you wish to include the numerators of the four fractions above, for example, the addition of fractions can just sum all of them. The value of the denominator does not vary.

So, (3/7) +  (6/7) + (5/7) + (2/7) = (3+6+5+2)/7 = 16/7

Fractions that are not like

Explanation of Unlike Fraction: Those Fractions that have different denominators are denoted as, unlike fractions. The denominator values of the fractions 3/2 and 1/4, for instance, are dissimilar. As an outcome, they are unlike fractions.

Generalizations containing unlike fractions are more difficult than those involving similar fractions.

Equivalent Fractions 

Equivalent Fractions are defined as: When simplifying fractions, equivalent fractions hold equal values. For instance, 1/2 and 40/80 give rise to the same value which is 0.5. As an outcome, these fractions equal each other.

Fractions in Units 

 A fraction with part of a numerator of 1 and a denominator of a positive number is known as a unit fraction. Unit fractions include 1/2, 2.5, 2/10, and so on.

 
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