FRACTIONS, DECIMALS AND PERCENTAGES

Fractions Of Amounts

Learn the reliable method for fractions of amounts, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

A fraction of an amount is found by splitting the whole into equal parts, then taking the required number of parts.

Picture itCount equal parts of one whole
Bowls, fruit, scales and a measuring jug showing ratio and measurement in baking
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Divide the amount by the denominator.
  2. Multiply that result by the numerator.
  3. Check that the answer is a sensible part of the original amount.
amount ÷ denominator × numerator
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

A box contains 280 beads. 6/10 are blue. How many beads are blue?

  1. First divide 280 by 10: one 10th is 28.
  2. Then multiply 28 by 6, giving 168.
Answer: 168
Example 2

From 64 counters, 2/4 are red and 1/4 are blue. How many counters are neither red nor blue?

  1. Red and blue use 3/4 of the counters: 48.
  2. Subtract: 64 − 48 = 16.
Answer: 16
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Divide by the denominator first; it keeps the numbers smaller.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

Using the numerator as the divisor

The denominator tells you how many equal parts make the whole.

Ignoring the unit

Convert to a useful single unit before finding the fraction.

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.