fraction
A fraction is a small part or amount of something larger. In mathematics, it is a way to show a number that is not a whole number, such as 1/2 or 3/4.
Examples
3 of 5I only ate a fraction of my dinner because I was not hungry.
I only ate a small part of my meal because I was not hungry.
The committee spent a small fraction of the budget on new research.
The group spent a small portion of the money on new study.
The new phone costs a fraction of the price if you buy it online.
The new phone is much cheaper if you buy it on the internet.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'fracture'. When you fracture a bone, it breaks into parts. A fraction is just one of those small parts.
Quick Quiz
One half (1/2) is a common ______ in mathematics.
Correct!
The correct answer is: fraction
Examples
I only ate a fraction of my dinner because I was not hungry.
everydayI only ate a small part of my meal because I was not hungry.
The committee spent a small fraction of the budget on new research.
formalThe group spent a small portion of the money on new study.
The new phone costs a fraction of the price if you buy it online.
informalThe new phone is much cheaper if you buy it on the internet.
A fraction represents a part of a whole unit in basic mathematics.
academicA fraction shows a piece of a full thing in simple math.
Our company saved a fraction of the production costs this year.
businessOur business saved a small amount of the making costs this year.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a fraction of the cost
much cheaper than the full price
by a fraction
by a very small amount
only a fraction
just a small part
Often Confused With
Friction is the rubbing force between two things, while a fraction is a part of something.
A fracture is a physical break, usually in a bone, while a fraction is a numerical part.
Usage Notes
Use 'fraction' when you want to emphasize that an amount is very small or when discussing mathematical parts of a whole.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'fraction' when they should use 'fragment' for physical broken pieces. They also sometimes say 'a fraction part' instead of just 'a fraction'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'fracture'. When you fracture a bone, it breaks into parts. A fraction is just one of those small parts.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'fractio', which means 'a breaking' or 'to break'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking countries, basic fractions like 1/2 and 1/4 are used frequently in cooking recipes.
Quick Quiz
One half (1/2) is a common ______ in mathematics.
Correct!
The correct answer is: fraction
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