(IGP) IAS Pre Paper - 2: GS - Basic Numeracy - Fractions

A fraction is a part of the whole (object, thing, region). It forms the part of basic aptitude of a person to have and idea of the parts of a population, group or territory. Civil servants must have a feel of ‘fractional’ thinking. eg,

5/12 , here ‘12’ is the number of equal part into which the whole has been divided, is called denominator and ‘5’ is the number of equal parts which have been taken out, is called numerator.

Example1: Name the numerator of 3/7 and denominator of 5/13.

Solution: Numerator of 3/7 is 3.

Denominator of 5/13 is 13.

Lowest Term of a Fraction:

Dividing the numerator and denominator by the highest common element (or number) in them, we get the fraction in its lowest form.

eg, To find the fraction 6/14 in lowest form Since ‘2’ is highest common element in numerator 6 and denominator 14 so dividing them by 2, we get 3/7 Which is the lowest form of 6/14.

Equivalent Fractions:

If numerator and denominator of any fraction are multiplied by the same number then all resulting fractions are called equivalent fractions.

eg, 1/2, 2/4, 3/6, 4/8 all are equivalent fractions but 1/2 is the lowest form.

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