FRACTION
A number in the rational form \(\frac{p}{q}\) where \(p\) and \(q\) are whole numbers and \(q ≠ 0\) is known as a fraction.
Example:
1. \(\frac{3}{2}\) is a fraction as well as both the numerator and denominator are the whole numbers.
There are four types of fraction, as follows:
i) Proper fractions ii) Improper fractions iii) Mixed fraction iv) Unit fraction
i) Proper fraction:
A proper fraction is a fraction where the value of the numerator will be lesser than the value of the denominator.
Example:
\(\frac{2}{3}\), \(\frac{12}{13}\), \(\frac{50}{52}\)
ii) Improper fraction:
An Improper fraction is a fraction where the value of the numerator will be greater than or equal to the value of the denominator.
Example:
\(\frac{7}{6}\), \(\frac{2}{1}\), \(\frac{1}{1}\)
iii) Mixed fraction:
A mixed fraction is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction.
Example:
\(2\frac{4}{5}\), \(4\frac{6}{7}\), \(6\frac{7}{8}\)
iv) Unit fraction:
Fractions which has numerator as \(1\) and denominator as any positive integer are unit fractions.
Example:
\(\frac{1}{16}\), \(\frac{1}{6}\), \(\frac{1}{4}\)
Fraction in real - life context:
"On the way to school today, Reshma looked at several things such, a bus, only half-filled with school children, a bus driver filling only a quarter of his fuel tank, a sweet and crunchy biscuit being shared equally among twin sisters. And, 'buy \(1\) get \(2\)' offer for upcoming Christmas sale at the nearby shopping mall. While observing all these things, Reshma was half an hour late to her class.
Things Reshma observed are related to the concept of 'Fraction' in one way or another. While watching such things closely, Reshma realised that she was already introduced to this concept by her teacher. She saw the beauty of mathematics, every time she correlated the idea of fraction in daily life.
Introduction to fractions is an exciting concept in Mathematics. We do use the theory of FRACTIONS in our daily life with or without our knowledge."
Example:
1. To express time as quarter 7 past , half past 2, and quarter to 7 .
2. To mention the distance as half kilometre, 7 and half kilometre.
3. We use fractions to express the scores and marks of examination \(\frac{450}{500}\).