Dictionary

Decimal fraction A fraction written as a decimal, like 3/4 written as 0.75 and 5/8 written as 0.625

Denominator The number below the fraction bar; indicates the number of equivalent pieces or sets into which something is divided.

Fraction A way of representing part of a whole set. A fraction is one or more parts of something split into equal parts; fractions are made up of a numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number).

Fraction families Sets of fractions having denominators that are multiples of a single number. For example, halves, fourths, eighths and sixteenths are a family.

Improper fraction A fraction in which the numerator is equal to or greater than the denominator.

Mixed number A number expressed as the sum of an integer and a proper fraction; having a whole part and a fractional part.

Numerator The number above the line in a fraction; indicates the number of equivalent parts being considered.

Proper fraction A fraction in which the numerator is less than the denominator.

Fractions

What is a Fraction: 'A way of representing part of a whole set'

Fractions

Fractions are everywhere, from recipe instructions to business reports. Fractions can be used to indicate parts of a thing or proportions of a quantity. Fractions don't have be small - 'Improper fractions' are larger than, or equal to, one.

Fractions can be difficult, and scary, but we've made them a breeze in Maths-Whizz with our animated lessons and interactive dictionary.

Click the image at right to load some sample fractions games, or check out some fractions dictionary terms at left.

 

 

 

Fractions Stories

Valentine’s Day Maths

WhizzProf loves numbers and loves to share this love with anyone and everyone! What better day to do so than on Valentine’s Day, a day when symmetrical hearts are decorated, flowers (remember Fibonacci?) are given by the dozen, and Valentines cards are sorted.  And at the end of the day, we can count all the [...]

Extra pi for Pi Day

So we're a little late, and it's Pi day (March 14th) plus a bit. For those who can't fathom March 14th as Pi day, think of it as 3.14, the first three digits of pi. It makes more sense if you're American. Read a fun fact and listen to a lovely song, all about pi.

Proud to be innumerate?

In a UK report which looks at the limited impact of the money spent on the the Skills for Life programme, author Dame Mary Marsh points out that poor numeracy is somehow far less shameful than poor literacy, and calls for a cultural shift in the nation's attitude to maths.

Even You Can Do Maths

Easy ways to improve your children's maths with everyday activities.

How NOT to compare fractions – for Portuguese Judges

An object lesson in the hidden uses of numeracy - preventing minor miscarriages of justice! As Halfway There notes, in 2008 a judge in Portugal increased a plaintiff's punishment, when he intended to decrease it, thanks to some awful maths.

Fractions on Twitter

Dyana Hepburn: RT @allentgates: Explaining #fractions to beginners - by Allen Gates - Helium http://t.co/5DsGzOss - 11 hours ago
Allen Gates: Explaining #fractions to beginners - by Allen Gates - Helium http://t.co/5DsGzOss - 11 hours ago
Michael J. Meyering: "Half of one-sixteenth is one-thirty-twooth"... my class told me so! #fractions #math #kidsarefunny - 14 hours ago
Angela Denise: 2 of 4. NgaNga nalang sa dalawa -_- #fractions http://t.co/eW9qK4D5 - 18 hours ago
Syma(MrsKipling: RT @trapstar_toxic: RT @syma_ali: “@trapstar_toxic: Grinders should be good at Maths #Fractions” Miss Marungi would be proud! < Lool our old teacher - 22 hours ago
A Wibz Redonda KRT: RT @ShortmanUK: RT @trapstar_toxic : Grinders should be good at Maths #Fractions << No Calculator - 22 hours ago
SHORTMAN: RT @trapstar_toxic : Grinders should be good at Maths #Fractions << No Calculator - 22 hours ago
#TeamTox: RT @syma_ali: “@trapstar_toxic: Grinders should be good at Maths #Fractions” Miss Marungi would be proud! < Lool our old teacher - 22 hours ago
Sally Berry: RT @syma_ali: “@trapstar_toxic: Grinders should be good at Maths #Fractions” Miss Marungi would be proud! - 22 hours ago

RSSSubscribe to the RSS feed   TwitterFollow the Whizz Professor on Twitter

Fractions links