Mathematics -- Class 3

Topic: Introduction to Fractions
Name: ____________________________Class: 3Date: ________________
Learning Objectives
Let Us Begin!

Imagine you have one roti. You break it into 2 equal parts and give one part to your sister.

You gave one part out of two equal parts. We write this as 1/2 and read it as "one-half".

A fraction tells us about equal parts of a whole.

The whole must be divided into equal parts -- not big and small, but the same size!

Understanding Fractions

What is a Fraction?

A fraction is a number that shows a part of a whole. When we cut or divide something into equal parts, each part is a fraction of the whole.

Think about it: If you cut an apple into 4 equal pieces and eat 1 piece, what fraction of the apple did you eat? You ate 1/4 (one-quarter)!

Numerator and Denominator

Every fraction has two numbers separated by a line:

In the fraction 1/4: numerator = 1 (we are talking about 1 part), denominator = 4 (the whole has 4 equal parts).

Common Fractions

FractionWe SayMeaning
1/2One-half1 part out of 2 equal parts
1/3One-third1 part out of 3 equal parts
1/4One-quarter1 part out of 4 equal parts
2/4Two-quarters2 parts out of 4 equal parts
2/3Two-thirds2 parts out of 3 equal parts

Parts of a Whole

If a rectangle is divided into 3 equal parts and 1 part is coloured, the coloured part is 1/3. The uncoloured part is 2/3.

Together, all parts make the whole: 1/3 + 2/3 = 3/3 = 1 whole.

Key Words and Meanings
WordMeaning
FractionA part of a whole, written with a numerator and denominator
NumeratorThe top number -- tells how many parts we have
DenominatorThe bottom number -- tells total equal parts
Half (1/2)One out of two equal parts
Quarter (1/4)One out of four equal parts
WholeThe complete thing before it is divided

Mathematics -- Class 3 (continued)

Topic: Fractions -- Examples and Practice
Examples
Example 1: Naming a Fraction

A circle is divided into 4 equal parts. 3 parts are coloured. What fraction is coloured?

Coloured parts = 3, Total equal parts = 4. The fraction is 3/4 (three-quarters).

Example 2: Finding the Numerator and Denominator

In the fraction 2/3: the numerator is 2 and the denominator is 3.

It means 2 parts out of 3 equal parts.

Example 3: Fraction in Daily Life

Meena cuts a chapati into 2 equal pieces. She eats 1 piece. She ate 1/2 of the chapati.

Key Points to Remember
Practice Questions

A. Fill in the Blanks

  1. A fraction has two parts: the and the .
  2. In the fraction 3/4, the numerator is and the denominator is .
  3. If a pizza is cut into 2 equal parts, each part is of the pizza.
  4. 1/3 means part out of equal parts.
  5. The bottom number of a fraction is called the .

B. Multiple Choice Questions

  1. What fraction of a shape is coloured if 2 out of 4 equal parts are coloured?
    (a) 1/2(b) 2/4(c) Both (a) and (b)(d) 3/4
  2. What is the denominator in 1/3?
    (a) 1(b) 3(c) 4(d) 2
  3. Which fraction means "one-quarter"?
    (a) 1/2(b) 1/3(c) 1/4(d) 4/1

C. Short Answer Questions

  1. Draw a rectangle. Divide it into 4 equal parts. Colour 1/4 of it.
  2. Raj ate 2 slices of a cake that was cut into 3 equal slices. What fraction did he eat?
  3. Write the fraction for: three parts out of four equal parts.
Think and Do -- Fun Activity

Fold and Find Fractions: Take a square piece of paper.

1. Fold it into 2 equal parts. Colour one part. You coloured 1/2.

2. Take another square. Fold it into 4 equal parts. Colour 3 parts. You coloured ____.

3. Take another square. Fold it into 3 equal parts (as best as you can). Colour 1 part. You coloured ____.

4. Write the fraction for the uncoloured part in each case:

Paper 1: ___________ Paper 2: ___________ Paper 3: ___________