Meaning & use
common fraction
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Meaning
nouncountablemathematics
a number written as one whole number over another, showing parts of a whole.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a common fraction' or 'two common fractions'.
Patterns
- write something as a common fraction
- convert a decimal to a common fraction
Three-quarters is a common fraction.
The teacher asked us to write 0.5 as a common fraction.
In a common fraction, the bottom number tells you how many equal parts there are.
Word forms
| plural | common fractions |
|---|
Common combinations
- write as a common fraction
- Write 0.75 as a common fraction.
- convert to a common fraction
- You can convert the decimal to a common fraction.
- in the form of a common fraction
- The answer should be in the form of a common fraction.
Synonyms and how they differ
- vulgar fraction
- 'Vulgar fraction' is the older British term for the same thing; 'common fraction' is clearer in modern international English.
- simple fraction
- 'Simple fraction' is sometimes used for the same idea, but it can also mean a fraction with small numbers, so 'common fraction' is more precise.
Opposites
Word family
- fraction noun
- a general word for a part of a whole, often written with a line.
- fractional adjective
- relating to fractions or very small amounts.
Commonly confused: common fraction or decimal?
common fraction vs decimal
A decimal uses a point and place value (0.5), while a common fraction uses a top and bottom number (1/2).
Practice
Which of these is written as a common fraction?
Choose one answer.
A common fraction has a numerator and denominator separated by a line, like 1/4. 0.25 and 2.5 are decimals, and 25% is a percentage.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “common fraction”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.