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Writing fractions

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Basics on the topic Writing fractions

Writing Fractions

Fractions can be written in different forms: Their number form and their word form. In this text, we are going to examine different ways of writing fractions in word and number form.

Repetition: What are Fractions?

What are fractions used for? Fractions in math are used to represent equal parts of a whole or equal parts of a group. Below are examples of equal parts of a whole and equal parts of a group. Fractions are represented with a numerator, the top number, and the denominator, the bottom number. These are separated by a fraction bar. Fractions represent an equal portion of a whole or a group. For example, they could represent one-half of a whole watermelon.

Writing Fractions – Forms

When reading and writing fractions in number form, we read the first part of the word for the numerator. In one-half, this means the numerator will be one. Then read the second part of the word for the denominator. In one-half, this means the denominator will be two, since half means two equal parts.

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When writing fractions in word form, first look at the first word for the numerator. In two-thirds, the two tells us the numerator is two. Then draw the fraction bar underneath the two. Next, look at the second word for the denominator. In two-thirds, the thirds tell us the denominator is three. Two over three in word form is two-thirds. These are the steps for writing out fractions in words.

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Writing Fractions – Summary

Remember, fractions can be displayed either in their word form or in their number form. This is how the two forms for writing fractions look like:

Form Example
Word Form one-half
Number Form ½

Below you will find writing fractions in words worksheets for more practise. Alongside the writing fractions worksheets are some independent practise problems too!

Transcript Writing fractions

"Another day another adventure." "I know! Let's solve this and get out of this room!" To solve the puzzle and escape, Axel and Tank will need help writing fractions. A fraction is a way of representing equal parts of a whole or equal parts of a group. A fraction consists of three components, which are: a top number called the numerator, a bottom number called the denominator and these are separated by a fraction bar. Fractions can also be written as one-third or one-quarter. These are fractions written in word form. How can we write them in number form? Let's take a look at one-half to help Axel and Tank solve the first problem! When we write fractions, the first number tells us what the numerator will be. Here, we have the word one, so we write a one for the numerator. Next, we write the fraction bar underneath the numerator which is like the hyphen. Then, we read the second word for the denominator. Here the word is half, meaning there are two equal parts, so we write two for the denominator. One-half in number form is one over two! Let's move on to the second puzzle which is two-thirds. First, identify what the numerator is. What is the numerator? It is two because the first word is two! What is the next step? Next, write a fraction bar under the numerator. Finally, identify the denominator. What is the denominator? It is three because the second word is thirds! Two-thirds in number form is two over three! The final puzzle to unlock the door requires us to write three over four in word form! Even though it is in written form this time we follow the same steps. What is the numerator? It is three so write the word three. Next, we write a hyphen, you can think of this as representing the fraction bar. Now identify the denominator. What is the denominator? It is four so write quarters after the three. Three over four in word form is three-quarters! It looks like Axel and Tank can escape the room now, but first, let's review! Fractions can be written in word form and number form. To write fractions in word form and number form, first, identify and write the top number, the numerator. Second, draw the fraction bar if writing in number form. Third, identify and write the bottom number, the denominator. "Woah. This sure is making a lot of noise Axel!" "Um, Axel. You might want to take a look here." "How did we not see that?"

Writing fractions exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learnt? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Writing fractions.
  • Label the parts of a fraction in number form.

    Hints

    When writing a fraction, the numerator is the top number.

    The middle line is the fraction bar.

    When writing a fraction, the denominator is the bottom number.

    Solution

    The top number is the numerator.

    The middle line is the fraction bar.

    The bottom number is the denominator.

  • What is this fraction in number form?

    Hints

    The first number tells us what the numerator, or the top number, will be.

    The fraction bar goes underneath the numerator, which is like the hyphen.

    The second number tells us what the denominator, or bottom number, will be.

    Sixths in the denominator is 6 in number form.

    For example, two-quarters written in number form is $\frac{2}{4}$.

    Solution
    • The first number tells us what the numerator, or the top number, will be. Here we have the word two, so we write a 2 for the numerator.
    • The fraction bar goes underneath the numerator, which is like the hyphen.
    • The second number tells us what the denominator, or bottom number, will be. Here we have sixths, meaning six equal parts, so we write a 6 in the denominator.
  • Fractions in word form to number form.

    Hints

    The first number tells us what the numerator, or the top number, will be.

    For example, $\frac{2}{3}$ would be written as two-thirds.

    The fraction bar goes underneath the numerator, which is like the hyphen.

    The second number tells us what the denominator, or bottom number, will be.

    For example, $\frac{2}{3}$ would be written as two-thirds.

    Solution
    • The first number tells us what the numerator, or the top number, will be.
    • The fraction bar goes underneath the numerator, which is like the hyphen.
    • The second number tells us what the denominator, or bottom number, will be.
  • Fractions in number form to word form.

    Hints

    First, identify the top number, or the numerator, and find it in word form.

    Next, is the hyphen, which is like the fraction bar.

    • Last, look at the bottom number, or denominator, and work out how many parts it is split into. Find that in word form.
    Solution
    • First, identify the top number, or the numerator, and find it in word form.
    • Next, is the hyphen, which is like the fraction bar.
    • Last, look at the bottom number, or denominator, and work out how many parts it is split into. Find that in word form.
  • What is this fraction in word form?

    Hints

    First, identify the top number, or the numerator, and write it in words.

    For example 1 would become one.

    Next, write the hyphen, which is like the fraction bar.

    Last, identify the bottom number, or the denominator and write it in words.

    For example 5 would become fifth.

    $\frac{1}{5}$ written in word form is one-fifth.

    Solution
    • First, identify the top number, or the numerator, and write it in words. Here, we have the number 3, so we write three.
    • Next, write the hyphen, which is like the fraction bar.
    • Last, identify the bottom number, or the denominator, and write it in words. Here, we have the number 4, so we write quarters.
  • Where do the fractions belong?

    Hints

    The first number tells us what the numerator, or the top number, will be.

    The second number tells us what the denominator, or bottom number, will be.

    When looking for eighths or sixths, you need to look at the denominator.

    Solution

    One-eighth, $\frac{4}{8}$ and $\frac{6}{8}$ are all eighths because they have a 8 in the denominator.

    Four-sixths, $\frac{3}{6}$, $\frac{5}{6}$, and $\frac{1}{6}$ are all sixths because they have a 6 in the denominator.