Fractions - Vocabulary

Fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, representing equal parts of a whole. Each fraction consists of a numerator, the top number indicating how many parts are being considered, and a denominator, the bottom number that shows into how many equal parts the whole is divided. Understanding fractions is crucial for Year 5 students, who learn about various types of fractions, such as proper fractions where the numerator is less than the denominator, improper fractions with a numerator greater than or equal to the denominator, and mixed fractions which combine a whole number with a fraction. Additionally, unit fractions have a numerator of one, whereas non-unit fractions have a numerator greater than one.

Students explore equivalent fractions, which, despite having different numerators and denominators, represent the same value. They also delve into the concept of fractions as operators that can act on a quantity to determine a part of it. To aid understanding, different methods are used: the concrete method involves real-life objects, the pictorial method uses visual representations like bar models, and the abstract method relies on mathematical reasoning without physical or visual aids. Other concepts include finding a common denominator, which is the same multiple for the denominators of two or more fractions, and flexible partitioning, which involves creating new mixed numbers. The curriculum also covers whole numbers, integers (which can be positive, negative, or zero), and the principle of commutativity, which allows for the swapping of numbers in addition and multiplication without changing the result. Year 5 students are assessed on their grasp of these concepts to ensure a solid foundation in fractions.