A fraction is a device for measuring part of something.

It shows the size of the part compared to the whole.

Simple fraction diagrams illustrate this.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

We can talk about fractions of objects:

​

​

​

​

​

​

 ⅔ ("two thirds") of the apples are green.

​

​

We can also talk about fractions of numbers.

​

Here are some simple examples:

​

½ ("half") of 20 is 10.

½ ("half") of 100 is 50.

¼ ("quarter") of 8 is 2.

​

There is an easy rule that will allow you to find any fraction of any number:

​

  "Multiply by the numerator and divide by the denominator"

     

(Multiply by the top and divide by the bottom).

​

So, to find ½ of 380, calculate 380 × 1 ÷ 2. 

        380 × 1 ÷ 2 = 190

 

To find ¼ of 700, calculate 700 × 1 ÷ 4.

                700 × 1 ÷ 4 = 175

 

To find ¾ of 56, calculate 56 × 3 ÷ 4. 

                      56 × 3 ÷ 4 = 42

 

To find ⅚ of 300, calculate 300 × 5 ÷ 6.

                300 × 5 ÷ 6 = 250

​

​