Original notes — ready
Chapter 2: Fractions
CBSE (NCERT, English Medium) • Class 5 • Mathematics • Book: Math Mela
Fractions — EG's own notes, in simple words
Book: Math Mela (CBSE, Class 5) | Chapter 2 | Medium: English
Diagram (labels are printed on the image): A roti cut into four equal parts with one part taken. A general teaching picture for fractions.
Children sharing a pizza in equal slices. A general picture about sharing in equal parts.
What the chapter is about
A fraction is a part of a whole. When a roti is cut into 4 equal parts and you eat 1 part, you have eaten 1/4 of the roti. The bottom number (denominator) tells how many equal parts the whole has; the top number (numerator) tells how many parts we take.
Fractions can be equal even when they look different: 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6. These are equivalent fractions — multiply or divide both numbers by the same number and the value stays the same.
To add fractions with the same denominator, add only the numerators: 2/7 + 3/7 = 5/7. To compare fractions with the same denominator, the bigger numerator means the bigger fraction.
Fractions appear in sharing food, money and time. Half an hour is 30 minutes, a quarter of a rupee is 25 paise, and three quarters of a pizza is three slices out of four. Once you see fractions in daily life, they stop feeling like only textbook sums.
What you should learn
Always check: are the parts equal? A fraction only makes sense when the whole is divided into equal parts.
Key Terms
- Fraction — A part of a whole, written like 3/4.
- Numerator — The top number; parts taken.
- Denominator — The bottom number; total equal parts.
- Equivalent fractions — Different-looking fractions with the same value.
- Whole — One complete thing, equal to 1.
- Half — One of two equal parts of a whole, written as 1/2.
Remember
- Denominator = total equal parts; numerator = parts taken.
- 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 (equivalent fractions).
- Same denominator: add numerators only.
- Parts must be equal for a fraction to make sense.
Exam Tip / Common Mistake
Common mistake: adding denominators too (2/7 + 3/7 is NOT 5/14). Only numerators are added when denominators are equal.
Chart / Table: Fractions of a roti
| Parts eaten | Fraction |
|---|---|
| 1 of 2 equal parts | 1/2 |
| 1 of 4 equal parts | 1/4 |
| 3 of 4 equal parts | 3/4 |
| 4 of 4 equal parts | 4/4 = 1 whole |
Think and try
Fold a paper into 4 equal parts and colour 1 part. What fraction is coloured? Now fold another paper into 8 equal parts and colour 2 parts. Are the two coloured fractions equal? How do you know?
Practice set — try it yourself
- What is the numerator in 5/8?
Hint: The top number. - Write two fractions equivalent to 1/3.
Hint: Multiply top and bottom by the same number. - Add: 2/9 + 4/9.
Hint: Add numerators only. - Which is bigger: 3/5 or 4/5?
Hint: Same denominator — compare numerators. - A pizza has 8 equal slices. You eat 3. What fraction is left?
Hint: First find slices left, then write the fraction.
How to use this page: Read the summary, say the Key Terms in your own words, then try the practice set without looking. Ask your teacher or parent to check your answers.