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Summaries · Grade 6 Maths › Fractions
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Fractions

Numerator and denominator, comparing, equivalent fractions and adding and subtracting fractions. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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What is a fraction?

A fraction is part of a whole. The denominator (bottom) says into how many equal parts the whole is cut; the numerator (top) says how many parts we have.

1 whole½²⁄₄½ = ²⁄₄: the same amount
½ = ²⁄₄
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Compare, equivalent and simplify

  • Same denominator: bigger numerator = bigger fraction: ⅗ > ⅖.
  • Same numerator: bigger denominator = smaller pieces: ⅓ > ⅕.
  • Equivalent fractions: multiply or divide top and bottom by the same number: ½ = ²⁄₄ = ³⁄₆.
  • Simplify: divide top and bottom by the same factor: ⁶⁄₈ = ¾.
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Adding and subtracting

Rule

First make the denominators the same, then add only the numerators: ½ + ¼ = ²⁄₄ + ¼ = ¾.

Watch out

Never add the denominators: ½ + ¼ is not ²⁄₆.

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Mixed numbers and fractions of whole numbers

One denominator is a multiple of the other? Change only the smaller one: ⅓ + ⁵⁄₆ = ²⁄₆ + ⁵⁄₆ = ⁷⁄₆ = 1⅙.

  • Adding mixed numbers: add the whole numbers, then the fractions: 2¾ + 1⅛ = 3 + ⁶⁄₈ + ⅛ = 3⅞.
  • Subtracting by borrowing: 3½ − 1¾ = 3²⁄₄ − 1¾ = 2⁶⁄₄ − 1¾ = 1¾.
  • Fraction of a whole number: ¾ of 24 = 24 ÷ 4 × 3 = 18.
  • Equivalent forms: ½ = 0,5 = 50%; ¼ = 0,25 = 25%; ⅒ = 0,1 = 10%.
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Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • Denominator = number of equal parts; numerator = how many we have.
  • Bigger denominator = smaller pieces.
  • Equivalent: multiply top and bottom by the same number.
  • Adding: make the denominators the same first.
  • Simplify by dividing top and bottom.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

The denominator names the kind of piece; the numerator counts how many you have.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

    Now the real quiz!

    The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

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