Mathematics Class 4 - Fractions Notes

Fractions

Welcome to the chapter on Fractions for Class 4. In this chapter, you will learn what fractions are, how to read and write them, and how to use fractions in daily life. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to solve simple problems using fractions and understand their importance in mathematics!

Introduction

Fractions are numbers that show parts of a whole. When something is divided into equal parts, each part is a fraction of the whole.

What is a Fraction?

A fraction has two numbers: the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number).

• Numerator: Shows how many parts you have.
• Denominator: Shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

Example: 1/4 means 1 part out of 4 equal parts.

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., 5/4).
• Mixed Fraction: Has a whole number and a fraction (e.g., 1 ¹⁄₂).

Reading and Writing Fractions

• 1/2 is read as "one-half".
• 3/4 is read as "three-fourths".
• 2/3 is read as "two-thirds".

Fractions in Daily Life

• Sharing a pizza or cake among friends.
• Dividing a chocolate bar into equal pieces.
• Measuring ingredients while cooking.

Comparing Fractions

You can compare fractions to see which is bigger or smaller. Fractions with the same denominator are easy to compare.

• 1/4 < 3/4 (one-fourth is less than three-fourths)
• 2/5 > 1/5 (two-fifths is more than one-fifth)

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

You can add or subtract fractions with the same denominator.

• 1/6 + 2/6 = 3/6
• 3/8 - 1/8 = 2/8

Fun Activity: Fraction Pizza

Draw a pizza and divide it into 8 equal slices. Color 3 slices. What fraction of the pizza is colored?

Summary

• Fractions show parts of a whole.
• Numerator is the top number, denominator is the bottom number.
• We use fractions in daily life.

Practice Questions

1. Write the fraction for 2 parts out of 5.
2. What is the numerator in 3/7?
3. What is 1/4 + 2/4?
4. Is 5/3 a proper or improper fraction?
5. Draw a shape and shade 1/2 of it.

Challenge Yourself

• Find three examples of fractions at home.
• Write a mixed fraction for 7/4.

Did You Know?

• Fractions are used in cooking, shopping, and sports!
• Decimals are another way to show fractions.

Glossary

• Fraction: A number that shows part of a whole.
• Numerator: The top number in a fraction.
• Denominator: The bottom number in a fraction.
• Mixed Fraction: A whole number and a fraction together.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. 2/5
2. 3
3. 3/4
4. Improper fraction
5. (Student draws and shades half of a shape.)

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Practice fractions every day to become a math master!