Write Simple Fractions

In this activity, we will be learning how to write unit and non-unit fractions. 

 

First of all, we need to check that we know the words numerator and denominator!

 

 

Don't worry!

The numerator is the number on the top of a fraction.

The denominator is the number on the bottom of a fraction.

 

A unit fraction uses one as a numerator. 

A non-unit fraction uses a number larger than one as a numerator.

 

Let's look at an example of writing unit and non-unit fractions. 

 

 

Here are four animals.

One of them is a cat and three are dogs.

 

So one out of four of them is a cat.

We write that as 1/4 or one quarter.

 

One quarter of the animals is a cat.

Three quarters of the animals are dogs.

 

So, we have 1/4 of the animals is a cat.

3/4 of the animals are dogs.

 

 

Example

Look at the picture below.

What fraction of the animals are cats?

What fraction of the animals are dogs?

 

 

Answer

Let's look carefully at the animals. 

 

There are 3 animals in total. 

2 cats and 1 dog.

 

1 out of 3 is a dog.

 2 out of 3 are cats.

 

1/3 of the animals are dogs (one third). This is a unit fraction.

2/3 of the animals are cats (two thirds). Thi is a non-unit fraction.

 

Now you are ready to try some of these for yourself!