Unit fractions are fractions with the number 1 as the numerator (top number) and a whole number as the denominator (bottom number). They show one equal part of a whole.
Every unit fraction represents one piece of something divided into equal parts.
Look for fractions that have the number 1 on top. They often appear in word problems that talk about “one part” of something shared or divided equally.
If the numerator is 1, you are working with a unit fraction. The denominator tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
To solve word problems with unit fractions, read carefully to find what the “whole” is, how many equal parts it is divided into, and how many unit fractions are needed to answer the question.
Always connect the problem back to the whole: the denominator shows the total parts, and the numerator 1 shows just one of those parts.
Sometimes word problems ask you to add unit fractions or compare them. To add, count how many equal unit parts are taken. To compare, remember that the larger the denominator, the smaller each part is.
Think: more equal parts means each part is smaller. Fewer equal parts means each part is larger.
Practice using fractions in full sentences to understand them better. This helps explain your thinking clearly in math problems.
Explaining your answer in words shows you understand the meaning of the unit fraction, not just the numbers.