NCERT Ganita Prakash, Class 6, textbook pages 151–186

How to teach Class 6 Maths Chapter 7, Fractions, at home

Fractional units, mixed fractions, equivalent, compare, add and subtract, taught with things you already have at home: a 20-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6

NCERT Class 6 Maths Chapter 7 Fractions: what it teaches

Your child sees fractions as equal shares and as measurements on a number line, converts between mixed and improper fractions, finds equivalent fractions, compares them, and adds and subtracts fractions with like and unlike denominators.

Why it matters later. Fraction operations are needed for decimals, ratios, algebra and all later maths.

See it: this chapter in pictures

3 rotis for 4 people: ¾ each
Equal shares give fractions.
01/41/23/415/45/4 = 1¼ is past 1
Fractions greater than 1 live past 1.
3/5 vs 2/39/15 vs 10/152/3 is bigger
Common denominators make comparing easy.

You need

  • paper strips
  • a ruler
  • a roti or paper circles

Tonight’s 20 minutes

  1. Share 3 rotis among 4 people. How much does each get? (3/4)
  2. Mark 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 5/4 on a number line.
  3. Convert 7/4 into a mixed fraction and back.
  4. Add 1/2 + 1/3 by finding equal parts: 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.

Words to use

  • numerator
  • denominator
  • mixed fraction
  • improper fraction
  • equivalent
  • common denominator

Watch for

  • Adding tops and bottoms: 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5. Draw it: 2/5 is less than 1/2, which can’t be right. Make equal parts first.
  • Comparing by denominators only. Make common denominators, then compare numerators.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

You1/2 + 1/3. Is it 2/5?

Your child2/5 is less than 1/2… so no.

YouMake equal parts.

Your child3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.

YouWhich is bigger, 3/5 or 2/3?

Your child9/15 and 10/15, so 2/3.

A game for this week: Fraction target

  1. Make fraction cards (1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6, 2/3, 3/4).
  2. Draw two cards and add them.
  3. Closest to 1 without going over wins.
  4. Check answers with strips.

A 5-day plan, 20 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Equal shares with rotis.
  2. Day 2Fractions on the number line.
  3. Day 3Mixed and improper fractions.
  4. Day 4Equivalent and comparing.
  5. Day 5Add and subtract unlike fractions.

Everyday moments to practise

  • Recipes: ¾ cup, 1½ cups.
  • Sharing rotis.
  • Distance: 1¼ km.
  • Time: ¾ of an hour.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

7/4 as a mixed fraction?

1 3/4.

1/2 + 1/3?

5/6.

Which is bigger: 3/5 or 2/3?

2/3 (10/15 vs 9/15).

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Converts mixed and improper fractions.
  • Compares fractions using common denominators.
  • Adds and subtracts unlike fractions.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Ganita Prakash (Class 6). See the full Class 6 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

How do I add fractions with different denominators?

Change them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add numerators.

What is a mixed fraction?

A whole number and a fraction, like 1 3/4.

Why is 1/2 + 1/3 not 2/5?

2/5 is smaller than 1/2 alone, so it can’t be the total.