Fractions and Decimals for Grade 4
Key Concepts
Fractions and decimals are ways to represent parts of a whole. Fractions are written as a numerator over a denominator, while decimals are written with a decimal point to separate the whole number from the fractional part.
Understanding Fractions
A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of two numbers: the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number). The denominator tells us how many equal parts the whole is divided into, and the numerator tells us how many of those parts we have.
Example: The fraction 3/4 means we have 3 out of 4 equal parts.
Understanding Decimals
Decimals are another way to represent parts of a whole. They use a decimal point to separate the whole number from the fractional part. Each digit after the decimal point represents a fraction of a whole number.
Example: The decimal 0.75 means we have 75 parts out of 100, which is the same as the fraction 3/4.
Converting Between Fractions and Decimals
To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator. To convert a decimal to a fraction, express the decimal as a fraction with a power of 10 in the denominator and then simplify.
Example: Convert 3/4 to a decimal: 3 รท 4 = 0.75.
Example: Convert 0.6 to a fraction: 0.6 = 6/10 = 3/5.
Comparing Fractions and Decimals
To compare fractions and decimals, convert them to the same form. For example, convert both to decimals and then compare the decimal values.
Example: Compare 3/4 and 0.7: Convert 3/4 to 0.75, so 3/4 (0.75) is greater than 0.7.
Examples and Analogies
Think of fractions and decimals like slices of pizza. If you have 3 out of 4 slices (3/4), you have more than half the pizza. If you have 0.75 of the pizza, it means you have 75% of the pizza, which is the same as 3/4.
Example: If you have 1/2 of a pizza, it means you have 0.5 or 50% of the pizza.
Practical Application
Understanding fractions and decimals is essential for everyday tasks. For example, when cooking, you might need to measure ingredients using fractions (1/2 cup) or decimals (0.5 liter). These skills also help in understanding money, percentages, and other real-world applications.