Fractions – Class 6 Mathematics notes, important questions and MCQs

Chapter overview

A fraction shows a part of a whole. Equivalent fractions, comparing and adding fractions are everyday skills.

Understanding fractions

• In 3/4, 3 is the numerator (parts taken) and 4 is the denominator (equal parts in the whole).
• Proper (3/5), improper (7/4) and mixed fractions (1¾).
• Equivalent fractions: 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 (multiply or divide top and bottom by the same number).

Comparing and adding

• Same denominator: compare or add numerators (2/7 + 3/7 = 5/7).
• Different denominators: make them equal using the LCM (1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6).
• Simplest form: divide numerator and denominator by their HCF.

Key terms

Numerator

top number of a fraction

Denominator

bottom number of a fraction

Equivalent fractions

fractions with the same value

Formulas

• a/b = (a × k)/(b × k)

Important questions with answers

Quick revision

• Equal parts are a must.
• Add only with the same denominator.
• Simplify using HCF.

Exam tips

• For same numerators, the fraction with the smaller denominator is larger (1/3 > 1/5).
• Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before adding.

Practice MCQs

1. In 5/8, the denominator is

   1. 8
   2. 5
   3. 13
   4. 3
   Show answer

   Answer: (a) 8. Bottom number.

2. Which is equivalent to 1/2?

   1. 3/6
   2. 2/3
   3. 1/4
   4. 2/5
   Show answer

   Answer: (a) 3/6. Multiply by 3.

3. 2/9 + 5/9 equals

   1. 7/18
   2. 7/9
   3. 10/9
   4. 3/9
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) 7/9. Same denominator.

4. Which is larger: 3/5 or 3/7?

   1. 3/5
   2. 3/7
   3. equal
   4. cannot say
   Show answer

   Answer: (a) 3/5. Smaller denominator, bigger parts.

5. Which fraction is the largest

   1. 2/3
   2. 3/5
   3. 5/8
   4. 7/12
   Show answer

   Answer: (a) 2/3. 0.667 is the biggest.

6. 1/4 + 1/6 equals

   1. 2/10
   2. 5/12
   3. 1/5
   4. 2/24
   Show answer

   Answer: (b) 5/12. 3/12 + 2/12.

7. 18/24 in simplest form is

   1. 9/12
   2. 6/8
   3. 3/4
   4. 2/3
   Show answer

   Answer: (c) 3/4. Divide by HCF 6.

8. 3/4 of a class of 36 students are present. How many are absent

   1. 9
   2. 27
   3. 12
   4. 6
   Show answer

   Answer: (a) 9. 36 − 27.