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Fractions

Fractions appear throughout Stage 1 and Stage 2. The core skills are finding equivalent fractions, working with a common denominator, and finding a fraction of an amount.

What is tested

  • Adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators
  • Fraction of an amount
  • Mixed numbers and improper fractions
  • Multiplying and dividing fractions

Worked example

Work out 2/3 + 3/4.

  1. A common denominator is 12: 2/3 = 8/12 and 3/4 = 9/12.
  2. Add the numerators: 8/12 + 9/12 = 17/12.
  3. Write as a mixed number: 1 5/12.

Answer: 17/12 or 1 5/12

Exam-day checklist

  • Find a common denominator before adding or subtracting.
  • Simplify the answer using the highest common factor.
  • For 'fraction of an amount', divide by the denominator, then multiply by the numerator.
  • Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying.

Common mistakes

  • Adding the denominators as well as the numerators.
  • Forgetting to simplify.
  • Multiplying by the denominator instead of dividing.

Try it yourself

1. Find 3/5 of 40.

Show answer

24

40 ÷ 5 = 8, then 8 × 3 = 24.

2. Work out 5/6 − 1/2.

Show answer

1/3

1/2 = 3/6, so 5/6 − 3/6 = 2/6 = 1/3.

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