Class 4 Notes - Fractions

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Understanding Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It is written as a/b, where a is the numerator (number of parts taken) and b is the denominator (total number of equal parts).

  • Example: In 1/4, 1 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
  • Fractions can show parts of a pizza, chocolate bar, or any object divided into equal pieces.

Types of Fractions

  • Proper Fractions: Numerator is less than the denominator (e.g., 3/5).
  • Improper Fractions: Numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator (e.g., 7/4).
  • Mixed Numbers: A whole number and a fraction together (e.g., 2 1⁄3).

Like and Unlike Fractions

  • Like Fractions: Fractions with the same denominator (e.g., 2/7 and 5/7).
  • Unlike Fractions: Fractions with different denominators (e.g., 1/3 and 1/4).

Comparing Fractions

  • If denominators are the same, compare numerators. (e.g., 3/8 > 2/8)
  • If denominators are different, convert to like fractions before comparing.

Equivalent Fractions

Fractions that represent the same value are called equivalent fractions.

  • Example: 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8
  • Multiply or divide both numerator and denominator by the same number to get equivalent fractions.

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

  • For like fractions, add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator same.
  • For unlike fractions, convert to like fractions first.

Example: 1/5 + 2/5 = (1+2)/5 = 3/5

Example: 3/8 - 1/8 = (3-1)/8 = 2/8 = 1/4

Word Problems

Problem: Riya ate 2/5 of a chocolate and her friend ate 1/5. How much did they eat together?

Solution: 2/5 + 1/5 = 3/5 of the chocolate.

Summary

Fractions help us understand and work with parts of a whole in daily life, such as sharing food, measuring, and dividing objects.