PW Class 6 Maths Notes Chapter 7: Fractions

When a whole is divided into equal parts, each part can be represented using a fraction. Fractions allow you to describe one part, several selected parts, or compare the sizes of different fractional parts.

The PW Class 6 Fractions Notes begin with fractional units and gradually connect equal parts to fraction notation. You can revise how the numerator and denominator work, compare fractional units such as 1/8 and 1/4, and understand how fractions such as 1/2 can also be used as units for measurement.

What Is a Fractional Unit?

A fractional unit is one equal part of a whole that has been divided into equal parts.

Suppose a whole is divided into 4 equal parts. Each part represents 1/4 of the whole. Here, 1/4 is a fractional unit because it represents one of the four equal parts.

If three of those four equal parts are considered together, they represent:

3/4

This can be understood as:

• 3 = number of parts being considered

• 4 = total number of equal parts

A fraction therefore allows us to represent selected equal parts of a whole.

What Are the Numerator and Denominator of a Fraction?

A fraction contains two numbers that provide different information about the parts of a whole.

Consider:

3/4

The numerator is written above the fraction line, while the denominator is written below it.

Together, they tell us how many equal parts are being considered out of the total number of equal parts.

How Can Fractions Be Compared?

Fractions can be compared by looking at the size of the fractional parts they represent.

Consider:

1/8 and 1/4

If the same whole is divided into 8 equal parts, each part is 1/8. If it is divided into 4 equal parts, each part is 1/4.

An eighth is smaller than a fourth, so:

1/8 < 1/4

This comparison shows that dividing the same whole into more equal parts makes each part smaller.

How Does a Fractional Unit Represent Part of a Whole?

A fractional unit represents one equal part of a whole.

For example, imagine a circle divided into 8 equal parts. Each part represents:

1/8

The whole circle contains eight such fractional units:

1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8

Each 1/8 is one equal part of the complete circle.

This connection between the whole and its equal parts is central to understanding fractional units.

How Can Fractions Be Used as Units for Measurement?

Fractions can also be used as measurement units. Instead of measuring only with whole units, the same fractional unit can be repeated to measure a quantity.

 Consider 1/2 as the fractional unit.

The idea remains the same as the number of half-units increases: the same fractional unit is repeated to measure the required quantity.

For example, if a measurement requires 11 half-units, it can be described as:

11 times 1/2

This shows how a fraction can work not only as part of a whole but also as a repeated unit of measurement.

How Can PW Class 6 Notes Make Fractions Easier to Revise?

The PW Class 6 Fractions Notes connect fraction notation with equal parts and visual ideas, allowing you to focus on what each number or fractional unit represents.

• Start by Dividing a Whole into Equal Parts

Begin with the whole and identify how many equal parts it contains. If it is divided into four equal parts, each individual part represents 1/4.

• Connect Equal Parts with Fraction Notation

Once the whole is divided, look at how many parts are being considered. For 3/4, three parts are considered out of four equal parts in total.

• Compare the Size of Fractional Units

Use divisions of the same whole to compare fractional units. For example, 1/8 < 1/4 because an eighth represents a smaller equal part than a fourth.

• Use the Same Fraction as a Measurement Unit

A fractional unit can be repeated during measurement. Following 1/2, then 1/2 + 1/2, and then 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 makes it easier to see how repeated halves can measure different quantities.

Complete PW Resources for Class 6 Maths Preparation

After revising the PW Class 6 Fractions Notes, you can use other PW Class 6 Maths resources as you move from understanding fractions to practising questions.

Fractions connect a whole with the equal parts into which it is divided. Once you understand fractional units, the numerator and denominator, comparisons such as 1/8 < 1/4, and repeated fractional measurements become easier to follow. The PW Class 6 Fractions Notes keep these connected ideas together so you can revisit them during chapter revision.