5 Fraction Types or Kinds

Learn about the 7 Types of Fractions with Definitions and Examples for each category.

Fractions Definitions:

Proper fraction: A fraction where the numerator is smaller than the denominator.
Improper fraction: A fraction where the numerator is equal to or greater than the denominator.
Mixed fraction: A whole number combined with a proper fraction.
Like fractions: Fractions with the same denominator.
Unlike fractions: Fractions with different denominators.
Equivalent fractions: Fractions that represent the same value but may have different numerators and denominators.
Unit fractions (or Unique fractions): Fractions where the numerator is 1.

Sharing a pizza equally among 5 friends (Proper fraction).
Walking 7 out of 5 miles (Improper fraction).
Eating 2 and 1/3 sandwiches (Mixed fraction).
Having 2 out of 5 apples and adding 3 more out of 5 apples (Like fractions).
Having 1/3 of a cake and 1/7 of a cake (Unlike fractions).
Having a recipe that calls for 1/2 cup of flour and using 2/4 cup instead (Equivalent fractions).
Dividing a cake into 5 equal parts and taking 1 part (Unit fraction).

Proper fractions are used in dividing resources equally among a group of people.
Improper fractions are common in measurements where the numerator exceeds the denominator.
Mixed fractions are used in expressing measurements that include whole numbers and fractions, like in recipes.
Like fractions are encountered when adding or subtracting quantities with the same units.
Unlike fractions often arise when comparing or combining quantities with different units.
Equivalent fractions are crucial in simplifying calculations and comparisons, especially in mathematics and engineering.
Unit fractions find applications in various fields such as physics, finance, and cooking where dividing a whole into equal parts is necessary.