Mathematics Notes for Class 3 Fractions

Fractions

Welcome to the chapter on Fractions for Class 3. In this chapter, you will learn what fractions are, how to read and write them, and how to use them in real life. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to recognize, compare, and use fractions with confidence!

Introduction

Fractions are a way to show parts of a whole. We use fractions when we share things, cut things into pieces, or divide objects among friends. For example, if you cut a pizza into 4 equal slices and eat 1 slice, you have eaten 1/4 of the pizza.

Key Concepts

Fraction: A number that shows part of a whole.
Numerator: The top number in a fraction. It tells how many parts you have.
Denominator: The bottom number in a fraction. It tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
Proper Fraction: The numerator is less than the denominator (e.g., 2/5).
Improper Fraction: The numerator is equal to or greater than the denominator (e.g., 5/4).
Mixed Number: A whole number and a fraction together (e.g., 1 1/2).

1. What is a Fraction?

A fraction is a way to show a part of something. It has two parts:

Numerator: The top number. It tells how many parts you have.
Denominator: The bottom number. It tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

For example, in the fraction 3/8, 3 is the numerator and 8 is the denominator.

2. Reading Fractions

1/2 is read as "one-half"
1/3 is "one-third"
2/5 is "two-fifths"
3/4 is "three-fourths" or "three-quarters"

3. Types of Fractions

Proper Fraction: Numerator is less than denominator (e.g., 2/5).
Improper Fraction: Numerator is equal to or greater than denominator (e.g., 7/4).
Mixed Number: A whole number and a fraction together (e.g., 1 1/2).

4. Comparing Fractions

Fractions with the same denominator: Compare the numerators. The bigger numerator means a bigger fraction.
Example: 3/8 is bigger than 2/8.

Fractions with different denominators: You can draw pictures or make the denominators the same to compare.

5. Fractions in Real Life

Sharing a chocolate bar with friends
Dividing a pizza or cake
Measuring ingredients for a recipe
Splitting time or money

6. Fun Activity: Color the Fractions!

Draw a rectangle and divide it into 4 equal parts. Color 2 parts. What fraction did you color? (2/4 or 1/2)

Summary

A fraction shows a part of a whole.
The numerator is the top number; the denominator is the bottom number.
Fractions are used in real life for sharing and dividing things.
There are proper fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers.

Practice Questions

Try these questions to test your understanding:

What is the numerator in the fraction 3/7?
What is the denominator in the fraction 5/8?
Which is bigger: 1/4 or 3/4?
Write the fraction for: Out of 6 apples, you eat 2.
Draw and color 1/3 of a rectangle.

Challenge Yourself

Find three things at home you can divide into equal parts. Write the fractions for each.
Make a pizza or sandwich and share it with your family. What fraction did each person get?

Did You Know?

The word "fraction" comes from the Latin word "fractus," which means "broken."
Fractions are used in music, sports, cooking, and many other places!

Glossary

Fraction: A number that shows part of a whole.
Numerator: The top number in a fraction.
Denominator: The bottom number in a fraction.
Proper Fraction: Numerator is less than denominator.
Improper Fraction: Numerator is equal to or greater than denominator.
Mixed Number: A whole number and a fraction together.

Answers to Practice Questions

3
8
3/4 is bigger than 1/4.
2/6 or 1/3
(Student’s own drawing)

Remember, fractions help us share and understand parts of things in our daily life!

Mathematics Class 3 - Fractions Notes