What is a fraction?
A fraction represents one or more equal parts of a whole. If you split a chocolate bar into 4 equal pieces and eat 3 of them, you have eaten 34 of the bar ("three quarters").
The whole is split into 4 equal parts, 3 are shaded → 34
Reading and writing a fraction
A fraction is written with two numbers separated by a line:
- The denominator (on the bottom) says how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
- The numerator (on top) says how many parts you take.
Special cases: 44 = 1 (you take all the parts), and 04 = 0 (you take none).
Equivalent fractions
The same quantity can be written in several ways. If you cut each part in two, you have twice as many parts, but the shaded amount is the same: 12 = 24.
24 = 12: half is shaded
You move from one equivalent fraction to another by multiplying (or dividing) the numerator AND the denominator by the same number:
12 = 24 = 36 = 510 (×2, ×3, ×5…)
Comparing two fractions
Two simple cases:
- Same denominator: the larger one has the larger numerator. 35 > 25.
- Same numerator: the larger the denominator, the smaller the parts, so the smaller the fraction. 13 > 15.
A fraction of a number
To find 34 of 20: divide by the denominator, then multiply by the numerator. 20 ÷ 4 = 5, then 5 × 3 = 15. So 34 of 20 = 15.
Worked exercises
What fraction is shaded if 2 parts out of 5 are?
Complete: 1/2 = … / 8
Put in increasing order: 3/7, 1/7, 5/7
What is 2/3 of 18?
Now it's your turn!
On EasyMaths, your child practises fractions with interactive diagrams and instant marking. The first exercises are free.
Start the exercises →Frequently asked questions
What is a fraction?
A fraction represents one or more equal parts of a whole. It is written with two numbers separated by a line: the numerator (on top) and the denominator (on the bottom).
What do the numerator and denominator mean?
The denominator (on the bottom) tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into. The numerator (on top) tells you how many of those parts you take.
How do you know if two fractions are equal?
They are equal if you get from one to the other by multiplying (or dividing) the numerator and the denominator by the same number. For example 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6.