NCERT Revision Notes for Class 5 Maths Chapter 2: Fractions – Free PDF Download

Chapter 2 of Class 5 Maths, Fractions, builds a deeper understanding of what a fraction really represents, how to compare and order fractions, how to find equivalent fractions, and how to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator, using folding paper, dividing collections, and number lines as visual tools.

Key Concepts

What a Fraction Means

A fraction represents a part of a whole that has been divided into equal parts. In the fraction 3/4, the bottom number (denominator) tells us the whole was divided into 4 equal parts, and the top number (numerator) tells us we are talking about 3 of those parts. The denominator can never be zero, since dividing into zero parts makes no sense.

Fraction of a Collection

Fractions also apply to groups of objects, not just single shapes. To find 1/3 of 12 mangoes, divide 12 into 3 equal groups (4 each); 1/3 of the collection is 4 mangoes. To find 2/3 of 12, take 2 of those equal groups: 2 × 4 = 8 mangoes.

Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions look different but represent the same amount, such as 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8. To find an equivalent fraction, multiply (or divide) both the numerator and the denominator by the same number, since this does not change the actual proportion represented.

Comparing Fractions

When two fractions have the same denominator, the one with the bigger numerator is greater (3/5 > 2/5). When two fractions have the same numerator, the one with the smaller denominator is greater, because the whole is divided into fewer, bigger parts (1/3 > 1/5). When neither is the same, convert both fractions to a common denominator before comparing.

Fractions on the Number Line

A fraction can be plotted between 0 and 1 (or beyond) by dividing the segment into equal parts matching the denominator, then counting from 0 the number of parts shown by the numerator. This makes it visually clear which of two fractions is closer to 0, 1, or another fraction.

Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions

Fractions with the same denominator (“like fractions”) are added or subtracted by simply adding or subtracting the numerators and keeping the denominator unchanged: 2/7 + 3/7 = 5/7, and 5/8 − 2/8 = 3/8.

Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions

An improper fraction has a numerator bigger than its denominator, such as 9/4. This can be written as a mixed number, a whole number plus a fraction: 9/4 = 2 whole and 1/4 left over, written 2¼. To convert back, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and keep the same denominator.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Fraction of a Collection

A basket has 20 apples. What is 3/5 of the basket?
Divide 20 by 5 = 4 (value of one part). Multiply by 3 = 12 apples.

Example 2: Comparing Fractions

Which is greater, 3/8 or 5/8?
Same denominator, so compare numerators: 5 > 3, so 5/8 is greater.

Example 3: Converting an Improper Fraction

Convert 11/4 into a mixed number.
11 ÷ 4 = 2 remainder 3, so 11/4 = 2¾.

Quick Recap

• A fraction shows equal parts of a whole; the numerator counts the parts, the denominator shows the total equal parts.
• To find a fraction of a collection, divide by the denominator, then multiply by the numerator.
• Equivalent fractions are made by multiplying or dividing numerator and denominator by the same number.
• Same denominator: compare numerators. Same numerator: smaller denominator means the bigger fraction.
• Like fractions add and subtract by combining numerators only; the denominator stays the same.
• An improper fraction (numerator > denominator) can be rewritten as a mixed number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding both numerators and denominators when adding like fractions (2/5 + 1/5 is NOT 3/10; it is 3/5).
• Assuming a bigger denominator always means a bigger fraction – it is the opposite when numerators match, since more parts means each part is smaller.
• Forgetting to check that both fractions have the same denominator before comparing or adding directly.
• Dividing a collection unevenly when finding a fraction of it – always confirm the collection divides evenly by the denominator first.
• Mixing up numerator and denominator when reading or writing a fraction aloud.

Home Practice Tips

• Cut a roti or fold a paper strip into equal parts to physically show fractions like 1/2, 1/4, and 3/4.
• Use a packet of 12 or 20 sweets to practise finding fractions of a collection (1/3, 1/4, 2/5) by physically grouping them.
• Draw a number line from 0 to 2 and mark fractions like 1/2, 3/4, and 5/4 together.
• Compare fractions from recipe measurements at home, like 1/2 cup vs 3/4 cup of flour.
• Practise converting improper fractions to mixed numbers using leftover pizza slices or chocolate bar pieces as visual props.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why must the parts of a whole be equal for something to be a fraction?
Because a fraction measures a consistent, comparable share – if the parts were unequal, 1/4 in one case could be bigger than 1/4 in another, making fractions meaningless for comparison.

Q2. Why do we get the same value from 1/2 and 2/4?
Because multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number scales the picture up without changing the actual proportion represented – twice as many parts, but each part is half as big.

Q3. How do you compare fractions with different numerators and denominators?
Convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with the same (common) denominator first, then compare the numerators directly.

Q4. What is the easiest way to remember which number is the numerator?
The numerator is on top and tells “how many parts we have”; the denominator is on the bottom and tells “how many equal parts the whole was divided into.”

Q5. Can a fraction be greater than 1?
Yes – when the numerator is greater than the denominator (an improper fraction, like 5/4), the fraction represents more than one whole, and can be written as a mixed number like 1¼.

Full walkthrough: Chapter 2 Solutions · Extra Questions.

Written by Satish

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