Like and Unlike Fractions

Like and unlike fractions are the two groups of fractions:

(i) 1/5, 3/5, 2/5, 4/5, 6/5

(ii) 3/4, 5/6, 1/3, 4/7, 9/9

In group (i) the denominator of each fraction is 5, i.e., the denominators of the fractions are equal. 

The fractions with the same denominators are called like fractions.

In group (ii) the denominator of each fraction is different, i.e., the denominators of all the fractions are different. 

The fractions with different denominators are called unlike fractions.

Examples of like fractions are: 

(a) (2/9, 3/9, 5/9, 9/9);

(b) (3/10, 7/10, 1/10, 9/10);

(c) (1/7, 2/7, 4/7, 5/7, 7/7)

Examples unlike fractions are:

(a) (1/2, 1/4, 2/3, 5/6)

(b) (3/8, 2/3, 3/5, 2/7)

(c) (1/9, 2/7, 3/4, 2/5).

Like Fractions:

Observe the following figures.

The fraction \(\frac{1}{8}\), \(\frac{2}{8}\), \(\frac{3}{8}\) have the same denominator. Such fractions are called like fractions.

Unlike Fractions:

In figure (i) one part is shaded out of 3 parts, the fraction represented is \(\frac{1}{3}\).

In figure (ii) has two parts shaded out of 3 parts, the fraction represented is \(\frac{2}{5}\).

In figure (iii) we have three parts shaded out of 7 parts, the fraction represented is \(\frac{3}{7}\).

The fraction \(\frac{1}{3}\), \(\frac{2}{5}\), \(\frac{3}{7}\) have different denominators. Such fractions are called unlike fractions.

Related Concept

● Fraction of a Whole Numbers

● Representation of a Fraction

● Equivalent Fractions

● Properties of Equivalent Fractions

● Like and Unlike Fractions

● Comparison of Like Fractions

● Comparison of Fractions having the same Numerator

● Types of Fractions

● Changing Fractions

● Conversion of Fractions into Fractions having Same Denominator

● Conversion of a Fraction into its Smallest and Simplest Form

● Addition of Fractions having the Same Denominator

● Subtraction of Fractions having the Same Denominator

● Addition and Subtraction of Fractions on the Fraction Number Line

4th Grade Math Activities

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