A vulgar fraction, common fraction or fraction is a fraction written in the usual way which is one number (integer) above another (integer) separated by a line. Examples of vulgar fraction are: 1/2, 5/11, 200/100. Mathematically a vulgar fraction is a part of unity or several equal parts of unity. The number which indicates how many parts a unit is divided into is called the denominator of the fraction; the number indicating how many parts are taken is the numerator of the fraction. In the examples given above, 1, 5, 200 are numerators and 2, 11, 100 are the denominators. If the numerator is less than the denominator, the fraction is less than unity and is called a proper fraction. Here, 1/2 and 5/11 are proper fractions. If the numerator is equal to the denominator, the fraction is equal to unity, 7/7 for instance. If the numerator is greater than the denominator, the fraction exceeds unity,e.g. 200/100. In these latter two cases, the fraction is called improper fraction.

Meaning of Vulgar Fraction

A vulgar fraction, also known as a common fraction or simple fraction, is a numerical representation that expresses one quantity as a ratio of two whole numbers. It consists of a numerator and a denominator, separated by a horizontal line called a fraction bar. The numerator represents the number of equal parts considered, while the denominator represents the total number of equal parts in the whole.

Explanation

A vulgar fraction is a way to represent a part of a whole or a division of two quantities using whole numbers. It is called "vulgar" because it is a common or ordinary way of expressing fractions, as opposed to decimals or percentages.

Components of a Vulgar Fraction

1. Numerator: The numerator is the top number of the fraction and represents the quantity being considered or the part of the whole. For example, in the fraction 3/4, the numerator is 3.

2. Denominator: The denominator is the bottom number of the fraction and represents the total number of equal parts in the whole. It indicates the number of parts into which the whole is divided. In the fraction 3/4, the denominator is 4.

3. Fraction Bar: The fraction bar separates the numerator and the denominator. It indicates that the numerator is divided by the denominator.

Representation and Reading of Vulgar Fractions

Vulgar fractions can be represented in different ways:

1. Proper Fraction: A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator. For example, 1/2, 3/4, and 5/8 are all proper fractions.

2. Improper Fraction: An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is equal to or greater than the denominator. For example, 7/4, 5/3, and 11/2 are all improper fractions.

3. Mixed Number: A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction. It is represented as a whole number followed by a proper fraction. For example, 2 1/3, 3 5/8, and 9 2/5 are all mixed numbers.

Operations with Vulgar Fractions

Vulgar fractions can be subjected to various mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These operations involve manipulating the numerators and denominators according to specific rules.

Conclusion

Vulgar fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, providing a concise and flexible way to express parts of a whole or divisions of quantities. Understanding vulgar fractions is essential for performing calculations, solving problems, and working with ratios and proportions.