Fraction Games for Kids

What Is a Fraction?

A fraction represents a part of a whole. For example, if you divide a whole pizza into 4 equal parts, then each part represents the fraction \( \frac{1}{4} \); 3 slices out of 4 represent the fraction \( \frac{3}{4} \).

Numerator and denominator are two parts of a fraction. Numerator is the number written on the top, which represents the number of parts taken out of the whole. The number on the bottom is called the denominator and it represents the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

Observe the diagram shown below.

In the first circle,  the whole portion is shaded. Thus, it represents a whole. 

In the second circle, the shaded portion represents half of the whole portion, that is \( \frac{1}{2} \).

In the third circle, one out of four parts are shaded and hence, it is represented as \( \frac{1}{4} \). It is called a quarter of a circle.

In the last circle, three out of four parts are shaded, and hence it is represented as \( \frac{3}{4} \).

You can check out a few simple identifying fraction games for kids here!

Types of Fractions

I. Proper Fractions: These are fractions in which the numerator (the top number) is smaller than the denominator (the bottom number). For example, \( \frac{1}{3} \), \( \frac{2}{5} \), etc.

II. Improper Fractions: These are fractions in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. For example, \( \frac{5}{4} \), \( \frac{7}{3} \), etc.

III. Mixed Numbers or Mixed fractions: A mixed number consists of a whole number and a proper fraction. They have an integer part and a fractional part. For example, \( 2\; \frac{1}{4} \), \( 3\; \frac{1}{3} \), etc.

Check out this “Identify Mixed Numbers Represented Game” that helps to identify mixed numbers using visual models.

IV. Equivalent Fractions: Fractions which appear different but have the exact same value are known as equivalent fractions. They have different numerators and denominators but represent the same value. 

You can explore some interesting Equivalent Fractions Games here for interactive learning!

How to find equivalent fractions? Multiplying the numerator and denominator with the same number does not change the value of the fraction but creates an equivalent fraction.

For example, \( \frac{1}{2} \) and \( \frac{2}{4} \) are equivalent fractions.

Equivalent fractions represent the same portion of the whole! Take a look!

V. Decimal Fractions: Decimal fractions are fractions whose denominator is a power of 10 (10, 100, 1000). For example, \( \frac{5}{10} = 0.5 \), \( \frac{75}{100} = 0.75 \), etc. are decimal fractions.

VI. Unit Fractions: Unit fractions are fractions whose numerator is 1. When comparing two unit fractions, the fraction with the greater denominator is the smaller fraction. For example, \( \frac{1}{3} \), \( \frac{1}{7} \), \( \frac{1}{76} \), etc. are unit fractions. 

You should definitely try this amazing Identify Unit Fractions with Visual Model Game for practice!

VII. Benchmark Fractions: Benchmark fractions are the fractions that are common and familiar, used as a reference or a benchmark for comparing, ordering, identifying other fractions. For example, \( \frac{1}{2} \), \( \frac{1}{4} \) are examples of benchmark fractions. Master benchmark fractions with these Benchmark Fractions Games for Kids Online, which include some really exciting and interactive fraction games! 

VII. Like Fractions (Fractions with Same Denominators): Two fractions are said to be like fractions if they have the same denominators. For instance,  \( \frac{2}{9} \) and \( \frac{6}{9} \) are like fractions.

VIII. Unlike Fractions (Fractions with Different Denominators): Two fractions are said to be like fractions if they have different denominators. For instance,  \( \frac{2}{5} \) and \( \frac{6}{9} \) are unlike fractions.

What Are Tenths, Hundredths, and Thousandths in Fractions?

Tenths are special fractions with denominator 10. 

\( \frac{7}{10} \) : Seven tenths

Hundredths are the fractions with denominator 100.

\( \frac{3}{100} \) : Three hundredths

Thousandths are fractions with denominator 1000.

\( \frac{5}{1000} \) : Five thousandths

How to Simplify Fractions

To simplify fractions, divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Example: \( \frac{15}{27} \)

GCD(15,27) = 3

\( \frac{15}{27} = \frac{15 \;÷\; 3}{27 \;÷\; 3} = \frac{5}{9} \)

How to Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

To convert mixed numbers to improper fractions, multiply the denominator by the whole number, and add the numerator value to this product. The resulting value represents the numerator of the improper fraction. The denominator stays the same.

Example: \( 2 \frac{1}{3} \)

Whole number = 2, Numerator = 1, Denominator = 3

\( 2\; \frac{1}{3} = \frac{(3 \;×\; 2) + 1}{3} = \frac{7}{3} \)

Play the “Select the correct Equivalent Fraction for the Mixed Number Game” to make this conversion easier and interesting. 

How to Convert Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator using the long division method. The quotient represents the whole number part of the mixed number, remainder represents the numerator, and the denominator stays the same. 

Example: \( \frac{11}{4} \)

(It means that quotient = 2 and remainder = 3) \( 11 \;÷\; 4 = 2 𝑅 3 \)

Thus, \( \frac{11}{4} = 2\; \frac{3}{4} \)

Operations on Fractions

In order to work with fractions effectively, it's essential to understand the basic operations involved. 

Check out these engaging Fractions Operations Games for a fun learning experience.

Here are the key operations you need to know:

Adding Fractions

To add fractions, they must have the same denominator.

• Adding fractions with the same denominator: Simply add the numerators keeping the same denominator.

Example:  \( \frac{1}{4} \;+\; \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1 \;+\; 2}{4} = \frac{3}{4} \)

• Adding fractions with the different denominators: If the denominators are different, find the least common denominator (LCD), which is simply the LCM of the denominators.

Convert the fractions into their equivalent fractions with the LCD as the common denominator.

Once the denominators are the same, add the numerators together and keep the denominator the same. Simplify the resulting fraction, if needed.

Example:  \( \frac{1}{4} \;+\; \frac{2}{3} = \frac{1 \;×\; 3}{4 \;×\; 3} + \frac{2 \;×\; 4}{3 \;×\; 4} = \frac{3}{12} + \frac{8}{12} = \frac{3 \;+\; 8}{12} = \frac{11}{12} \)

Subtracting Fractions

To subtract fractions, they must have the same denominator.

• Subtracting fractions with the same denominator: Simply subtract the numerators, keeping the same denominator.

Example:

 \( \frac{5}{7} \;-\; \frac{2}{7} = \frac{5 \;-\; 2}{7} = \frac{3}{7} \)

• Subtracting fractions with the same denominators: If the denominators are different, find the least common denominator (LCD), which is the LCM of the denominators. Convert the fractions into their equivalent fractions with the LCD as the common denominator.

Once the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same. Simplify the resulting fraction, if necessary.

Example: 

 \( \frac{3}{4} \;-\; \frac{2}{3} = \frac{3 \;×\; 3}{4 \;×\; 3} \;-\; \frac{2 \;×\; 4}{3 \;×\; 4} = \frac{9}{12} \;-\; \frac{8}{12} = \frac{9 \;-\; 8}{12} = \frac{1}{12} \)

Multiplying Fractions

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators separately, multiply the denominators separately. Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible, by canceling out common factors.

Example 1: \( \frac{8}{9} \;×\; \frac{6}{5} = \frac{8 \;×\; 6}{9 \;×\; 5} = \frac{48}{45} = \frac{16}{15} \)

Example 2: \( \frac{3}{5} \;×\; \frac{3}{10} = \frac{3 \;×\; 3}{5 \;×\; 10} = \frac{9}{50} \)

The multiplication of two fractions can be modeled by fractional strips as shown:

• Multiplying fractions with whole numbers: Multiplying fractions with whole numbers follows the same process as repeated addition. We add the fraction the same number of times as the whole number. Another way is to convert the whole number into a fraction form by writing the denominator as 1. Multiply the two fractions as discussed above.

Example: \( \frac{8}{9} \;×\; 2 = \frac{8}{9} \;+\; \frac{8}{9} = \frac{8 \;+\; 8}{9} = \frac{16}{9} \)

Or \( \frac{8}{9} \;×\; 2 = \frac{8}{9} \;×\; \frac{2}{1} = \frac{8 \;×\; 2}{9 \;×\; 1} = \frac{16}{9} \)

• Multiplying fractions with mixed numbers: Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. Multiply the given fraction with the resulting important fraction to find the answer.

Example: \( \frac{2}{5} \;×\; 2 \frac{1}{3} \)

Here, \( 2 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{(3 \;×\; 2) \;+\; 1}{3} = \frac{7}{3} \)

Thus, \( \frac{2}{5} \;×\; 2 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{2}{5} \;×\; \frac{7}{3} = \frac{14}{15} \)

Dividing Fractions

To divide a fraction by another fraction, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction, using the same steps discussed for the multiplication. Simplify the resulting fraction, if necessary.

To find the reciprocal of a fraction, simply flip the second fraction (interchange the values of the numerator and the denominator). 

Example: \( \frac{2}{3} \;÷\; \frac{4}{7} = \frac{2}{3} \;×\; \frac{7}{4} = \frac{2 \;×\; 7}{3 \;×\; 4} = \frac{14}{12} \)

• Dividing Fractions with Whole Numbers: Here, multiply the fraction by the reciprocal of the whole number.

Example:  \( \frac{2}{3} \;÷\; 4 = \frac{2}{3} \;×\; \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2 \;×\; 1}{3 \;×\; 4} = \frac{2}{12} = \frac{1}{6} \)

• Dividing Whole Numbers by Fractions: Here, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction.

Example: \( 5 \;÷\; \frac{4}{5} = \frac{5}{1} \;×\; \frac{5}{4} = \frac{5 \;×\; 5}{1 \;×\; 4} = \frac{25}{4} \)

How to Do Conversions with Fractions

How to Convert Fractions to Decimals

To convert fractions into decimals, divide the numerator by the denominator using the long division method.

\( \frac{4}{5} = 4 \;÷\; 5 = 0.8 \)

\( \frac{1}{3} = 1 \;÷\; 3 = 0.3333 \)…

If the denominator is a power of 10, the fraction to decimal conversion is simple.

\( \frac{45}{10} = 4.5; \frac{31}{100} = 0.31, \frac{1}{1000} = 0.001\)

How to Convert Fractions to Percents

Multiply the given fraction by 100, simplify, and add % sign.

Example: \( \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{4} \;×\; 100 \) % = 75 %

How to Teach the Uses of Fractions to Kids in Real-life

Fractions are used in various real-life scenarios, making everyday tasks more manageable and accurate. To teach fractions effectively, engage kids in activities like counting money, DIY projects involving measurements, etc.  Let’s discuss a few of them.

i) Cooking and Baking: Fractions are crucial for following recipes, measuring ingredients, and understanding baking ratios. 

Example: Recipes often mention ingredients in fraction form such as half a cup of water, half a teaspoon of sugar, etc.

ii) Money: Understanding fractions helps in managing finances, calculating discounts, and dividing expenses among individuals. It also helps understand the relationship between different denominations. 

Example: We know that 100 cents make one dollar. So, 50 cents means half a dollar. 

iii) Measurements: Fractions are useful when reading measurements such as lengths, heights, etc. precisely. 

Example: 12 inches make 1 foot. So, three and a half feet refers to three feet and 6 inches!  

Importance of Introducing Fractions to Kids through Games

• Fractions as a concept can be tricky to understand. Fractions are less intuitive since they behave differently and they also have a different representation. Fractions go beyond basic math concepts like counting and comparing numbers. They introduce the idea that a whole can be divided into halves, fifths, and more. Fractions have their own rules for arithmetic, comparison, and ordering. 
• This is why it is extremely important to focus on effectively introducing fractions to children as it lays the foundation for complex topics that lie ahead in their math journey. 
• Fractions should be introduced to the young learners by relating them to real life, using a lot of visuals and contexts, and by making them fun and engaging. This is possible through games. Games promote active learning and create an effective learning environment.

Math Games vs. Traditional Methods: Fractions Learning Experience

• Traditional learning methods, such as books, often struggle to captivate students' attention, resulting in boring and monotonous learning experiences.
• Math games make learning enjoyable and effective for children. They help kids master tricky concepts, like fractions, through fun and interactive activities. These fraction math games offer flexibility and allow children to learn at their own pace. By engaging in interactive games, kids develop positive problem-solving attitudes and deepen their understanding of math. Math games foster strategic thinking and enhance children's number sense.
• These online fraction practice games cultivate love for math and demonstrate real-world applications of concepts. With a stress-free environment, children embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.