Fractions

What Is a Fraction?

A fraction shows how many parts of a whole we have.
The top number is the Numerator – it tells how many parts we own.
The bottom number is the Denominator – it tells how many equal parts the whole is split into.

How to Read Fractions

We read a fraction as “numerator over denominator.”

• 1/2 → “one half”
• 3/4 → “three quarters”
• 5/8 → “five eighths”

Seeing Fractions in Everyday Life

• Pizza – If a pizza is cut into 8 slices and you eat 3, you have 3/8 of the pizza.
• Chocolate Bar – A bar broken into 4 pieces, and you take 2, gives you 2/4 (which is the same as 1/2).
• Classroom – If 5 out of 20 students have red backpacks, that is 5/20 of the class.

Adding Fractions with the Same Denominator

When the denominators match, just add the numerators.

Example:

You have 1/5 of a cake and your friend gives you another 2/5.

1/5 + 2/5 = (1 + 2)/5 = 3/5 of the cake.

If the numerator becomes bigger than the denominator, you can turn it into a mixed number.

Example:

3/4 + 3/4 = (3 + 3)/4 = 6/4 = 1 ½ (one whole and one half).

Practice:

1. Draw a circle, split it into 6 equal parts, shade 4. What fraction did you shade?
2. If you have 2/3 of a chocolate bar and eat 1/3 more, how much do you have now?

Keep exploring fractions in snacks, games, and everyday objects. They’re everywhere!