India (CBSE / NCERT) · Class 4 NCERT Class 4 (CBSE): Mathematics, Fractions Ages 9–10 (Class 4) ⏱️ 3 min read

Fractions: Parts of a Whole and a Group: Class 4 Study Guide

A fraction describes equal parts of a whole or of a group.

A fraction has two numbers. The denominator (bottom) tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into. The numerator (top) tells how many parts are taken. In 3/4, the whole is divided into 4 equal parts and 3 are taken.

A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than the denominator (2/5). An improper fraction has a numerator equal to or greater than the denominator (7/4). A mixed number has a whole part and a fraction (1 3/4).

Equivalent fractions

Fractions that name the same amount are equivalent. 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8. Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by the same number to find an equivalent fraction: 2/3 = 4/6 = 6/9.

Fraction	Equivalent fractions
1/2	2/4, 3/6, 4/8
1/3	2/6, 3/9, 4/12
3/4	6/8, 9/12
2/5	4/10, 6/15

Comparing and adding

The further right, the greater the fraction.

With the same denominator, the larger numerator is the larger fraction: 5/8 > 3/8. To add fractions with the same denominator, add the numerators and keep the denominator: 2/7 + 3/7 = 5/7. Subtract the same way: 6/9 − 2/9 = 4/9. With different denominators, make them the same first (learnt later).

Fraction of a number

To find 1/4 of 20, divide 20 by 4 to get 5. To find 3/4 of 20, find 1/4 (5) and multiply by 3 to get 15. Example: A box has 24 chocolates and 2/3 are dark. 24 ÷ 3 = 8 and 8 × 2 = 16 dark chocolates.

Divide by the denominator

24 ÷ 3 = 8.

Multiply by the numerator

8 × 2 = 16.

Answer in words

16 chocolates are dark.

Worked examples and common mistakes

Example: Is 3/6 the same as 1/2? Yes. Example: 4/9 + 2/9 = 6/9. Common mistakes: adding denominators too (2/7 + 3/7 is not 5/14), thinking that a larger denominator means a larger fraction and drawing unequal parts. Use fraction strips to see the sizes.

💡 Pro Tip: Fold paper strips into halves, quarters and eighths and label them to make a fraction wall.

Check your understanding: model answers

1. 4/10 (or 6/15). 2. 4/5. 3. 28 ÷ 4 = 7, then 7 × 3 = 21.

✨ Key Takeaways

Denominator = equal parts in the whole; numerator = parts taken.
Equivalent fractions have the same value.
Add fractions with the same denominator by adding numerators.
Fraction of a number: divide, then multiply.

💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection

Write an equivalent fraction for 2/5.
Find 3/5 + 1/5.
Find 3/4 of 28.

Open fraction to decimal calculator →

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