A fraction represents a part of a whole, expressed as one number divided by another number. In real life, fractions can be seen in various scenarios, such as sharing a pizza among friends, measuring ingredients for a recipe, or calculating distances on a map. Understanding fractions is crucial for Class 7 students to develop a solid foundation in mathematical concepts.
A Fraction is defined as a whole divided into a number of equals parts . If a number is written in p/q from where q is not equals to 0 is known as a fraction . The term Fraction is derived from the Latin word “fractus” , which means “broken” or “fractured” . In a fraction 2/7 , 2 is called Numerator ( the top number) , 7 is called denominator ( the bottom number) . Numerator tell us the number of parts chosen . Denominator tell us the number of equals parts made.
Table of Contents
What is Fraction?
A Fraction represents parts of a whole or a ratio between two numbers. It consists of two numbers separated by a horizontal or diagonal line, where the number above the line is called the numerator, and the number below the line is called the denominator. The numerator represents how many parts are being considered, while the denominator indicates the total number of equal parts that make up a whole. Fractions are commonly used to express quantities that are not whole numbers, such as 1/3, 4/5 or 6/7 and they can represent values between whole numbers. Fractions are essential in various mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Real life example
Imagine you have a bag of marbles and 3 of them are red out of a total 8 marbles . The fraction representing the number of red marbles is 3/8; where 3 is the numerator (red marbles ) and 8 is the denominator ( total marbles).
All types of fractions
1. Proper fraction: In proper fraction , the numerator is less than the denominator . E. g 3/5 , 7/8 etc.
2. Improper fraction: In improper fraction , the numerator is larger than the denominator . E. g 5/4, 11/9 etc.
3. Mixed fraction: Combination of a whole number and a proper fraction . E. g 2½,4¼ etc.
4. Equivalent fraction: Different fractions can represent the same value. Like 1/2 and 2/4 they are equivalent.
5. Like fraction: Like fraction have the same denominator . E. g 1/4 , 3/4 etc.
6. Unlike fraction: Unlike fraction have different denominators. E. g 1/4 , 2/3 etc.
7. Unit fraction: A unit fraction is a fraction with 1 as its numerator. E. g 1/7 , 1/9 etc.
8. Decimal fraction: A fraction whose denominator is a multiple of 10. E. g 7/10 , 23/100 etc.
9. Simple fraction: A fraction whose numerator and denominator are both whole numbers is called simple fraction . E. g 3/6 , 7/9 etc.
10. Vulgar fraction: A vulgar fraction is a fraction written in the usual way which is one number above another separated by a line. E. g 1/2 , 5/11 etc.
11. Complex fraction: Complex fraction are those fraction in which either numerator or denominator or both are fractions. E. g ½/¼ etc.
12. Continued fraction: A continued fraction is an expression representing a number as an infinite sequence of terms , where each term is the reciprocal of an integer. 1+ ½/¼ etc.
Things to Remember
- A mixed fraction is always greater than 1.
- Every natural number can be written as a fraction in which 1 is it’s denominator.
- A proper fraction is always less than 1.
- A improper fraction is always greater than 1.
Practice Questions
- What is Fraction?
- What is unit fraction?
- What are the 3 types of fraction?
Recommended Reading
What is Irrational Number Class 9 (With Examples.)
Difference Between Place Value and Face Value- (With 10 Solved Example).
FAQs
Q.1 What is proper fraction with examples?
A proper fraction is a fraction in which the denominator is greater than the numerator. For example, 3/4, 7/9, 1/2, 1/9 are proper fractions.
Q.2 What is mixed fractions with examples?
A mixed fraction is a combination of a proper fraction and a whole number. For example, 1½, 2¼ are mixed fractions.
Q.3 What type of fraction is 7/8 ?
Proper fraction.
Q.4 Convert 5½ into improper fraction.
11/2
Q.5 What is 4/5 in decimal?
0.8
Q.6 What type of fraction is 9/7?
Improper fraction.
Q.7 What type of fraction is 2¼ ?
Mixed fraction.