Fractions Basics
A fraction a/b names a parts out of b equal parts of a whole.
Key idea
A fraction a/b names a parts out of b equal parts of a whole.
In depth
A fraction a/b says a parts of size 1/b. The denominator names the size of the pieces; the numerator counts how many you have. It also means a ÷ b.
Worked example
3/4 of a pizza cut into 4 equal slices means 3 slices.
Formula
Real-world uses
- Sharing a cake or a bill
- Reading recipe quantities such as three-quarters of a cup
- Measuring with a ruler
Common mistake
Using unequal parts. Fractions only make sense if all pieces are the same size.
How to learn this
- Read the key idea and say it in your own words.
- Work through the worked example, then try a similar problem.
- Use the interactive lesson’s visual and mini-quiz to check the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fractions Basics?
A fraction a/b names a parts out of b equal parts of a whole. It is a topic at the intermediate level in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is the formula for Fractions Basics?
The key formula is a/b.
Where is Fractions Basics used in real life?
Real-world examples: Sharing a cake or a bill; Reading recipe quantities such as three-quarters of a cup; Measuring with a ruler.
What should I learn before Fractions Basics?
Make sure you are comfortable with Absolute Value, the previous topic in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is a common mistake with Fractions Basics?
Using unequal parts. Fractions only make sense if all pieces are the same size.
How can I practise Fractions Basics?
Open the interactive lesson, play with the visual, then answer the three-question mini-quiz. Getting two right marks the topic complete.
What comes after Fractions Basics?
Move on to Equivalent Fractions next.
Related intermediate topics in Arithmetic & Number Sense
- Long Multiplication – Multiply by each digit of the multiplier, shift by place value, then add partial products.
- Long Division – Divide, multiply, subtract and bring down repeatedly to get the quotient.
- Factors and Multiples – Factors divide a number exactly; multiples are its products with whole numbers.
- Divisibility Rules – Quick tests: by 2 last digit even, by 3 digit-sum divisible by 3, by 5 ends 0/5, by 9 digit-sum divisible by 9.
- Prime Numbers – A prime has exactly two positive divisors: 1 and itself.
- Composite Numbers – Numbers greater than 1 with more than two factors.