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.

Like Fractions

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


Unlike 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


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