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Math: Basic Tutorials : Introduction to Fractions
Introduction to Fractions
A fraction is a way to represent parts of a whole. Fractions are written as one number over another number (e.g. ½ ). The bottom number (the denominator) represents the number of equal parts the whole has been divided into. The bottom number the numerator represents how many parts are included. This section will give you a brief introduction to fractions and explain some types of fractions that are important for you to know.
Examples & Activity
Examples
| Example 1. Name the fraction of the circle that is shaded in the figure below. | |
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How many equal parts are there? There are eight equal parts. How many are shaded? Five parts are shaded. Five of the eight parts are shaded. Therefore, the fraction of the circle that is shaded is 5/8. |
| Example 2. Name the fraction of the square that is shaded in the figure below. | |
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How many equal parts are there? There are nine equal parts. How many are shaded? Two parts are shaded. Two of the nine parts are shaded. Therefore, the fraction of the square that is shaded is 2/9. |
Summary and Worksheet
- Summary: Introduction to Fractions - PDF - Opens in a new windowThis document contains a short (1 – 2 page) summary of this topic as well as detailed examples to illustrate key concepts. Use this summary to review this topic.
- Worksheet: Introduction to Fractions - PDF - Opens in a new windowThis document contains practice questions on this topic. Use the worksheet to test your knowledge and practice the skills learned in this module. The answers to the practice questions are provided at the end.
Attribution
Examples Source: "Prealgebra - opens in a new window" by Lynn Marecek & Mary Anne Anthony-Smith is licensed under CC BY 4.0 - opens in a new window / A derivative from the original work - opens in a new window