Chapter 7 · ICSE Class 6 Math

Fractions and Decimals Operations

Now that you know what fractions mean, let's operate on them. Pick an operation and drag the sliders to see two fractions combine.

The Fraction Operations Machine
1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6
Fraction A
1
2
Fraction B
1
3

Try it: switch to ÷ and see how dividing by a fraction flips it!

A bar model showing that one quarter plus two quarters equals three quarters Three bar strips each divided into four equal parts: the first with one part shaded showing 1/4, the second with two parts shaded showing 2/4, and the third with three parts shaded showing the sum 3/4 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4
7.1

Adding and subtracting fractions

1Like fractions — same denominator

Add: 2/7 + 3/7. Since denominators match, just add the numerators: 5/7

2Unlike fractions — different denominators

Add: 1/2 + 1/3. Find the LCD (6), convert: 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6

Watch out — You can never add or subtract fractions by adding numerators and denominators separately — you MUST have the same denominator first.
7.2

Multiplying fractions

1Multiply straight across

Multiply: 2/3 × 3/5. Multiply numerators, multiply denominators: (2×3)/(3×5) = 6/15, simplify: 2/5

7.3

Dividing fractions

1Multiply by the reciprocal

Divide: 3/4 ÷ 2/5. Flip the second fraction and multiply: 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8

Why it works — Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its "flipped" version (reciprocal) — this trick always works for fraction division.
7.4

Operations with decimals

1Adding decimals

Add: 3.25 + 1.7. Line up the decimal points: 3.25 + 1.70 = 4.95

2Multiplying decimals

Multiply: 2.5 × 0.4. Multiply as whole numbers (25 × 4 = 100), then count total decimal places (1+1=2): 1.00 = 1

Practice

Exercises

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Assess

Sample tests

Two 20-mark, 30-minute tests. Reveal answers question by question.