Fraction - Definition with Examples

What is Fraction?

Fractions represent equal parts of a whole or a collection. 

Fraction of a whole: When we divide a whole into equal parts, each part is a fraction of the whole. 

For example, 

Fraction of a collection: Fractions also represent parts of a set or collection. 

For example, 

There are total of 5 children.

3 out of 5 are girls. So, the fraction of girls is three-fifths ( ³⁄₅ ).

2 out of 5 are boys. So, the fraction of boys is two-fifths ( ²⁄₅ ).

Fraction notation

A fraction has two parts. The number on the top of the line is called the numerator. It tells how many equal parts of the whole or collection are taken.  The number below the line is called the denominator.  It shows the total divisible number of equal parts the whole into or the total number of equal parts which are there in a collection. 

Fractions on a number line: Fractions can be represented on a number line, as shown below. 

For examples,

Real life examples

The most common examples of fractions from real life are equal slices of pizza, fruit, cake, a bar of chocolate, etc.

Non-examples

When the parts of the whole are unevenly divided, they don’t form fractions.

Types of fractions