Learning and understanding fractions
"A fraction describes a part of a whole: a cake is cut into four pieces, every piece is a quarter. Sounds simple — and with the right mental pictures it really is."
What is this topic about?
A fraction consists of a numerator (top) and a denominator (bottom). The denominator says how many equal parts the whole is divided into; the numerator says how many of those parts you mean. Two fractions are equal when they can be expanded or reduced — 1/2 and 2/4 describe the same share. To add, you first convert to a common denominator, then only add the numerators. Anyone who thinks of fractions as shares rather than two separate numbers has overcome half of all difficulties straight away.
The best way to learn it
Always draw fractions as circles or bars — your eyes do part of the math.
Practice reducing with the times tables: if the denominator knows the numerator as a factor, it reduces.
Expand to a common denominator first, before adding or subtracting.
Frequently asked questions
Practice fractions in a duel
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