How to read fractions in English? A compilation of reading fractions in English

Reading fractions in English is by no means easy. To use it effectively, you must practice frequently and know a lot of rules. PREP has compiled the most comprehensive ways to read fractions in English, so save it now!

I. What are fractions in English?

What are fractions in English? Fractions consist of two main components, the numerator and the denominator. The numerator is above and the denominator is below, separated by a hyphen.

For example: Fractions: 1/2, 3/5, 5/6

In addition, fractions also have a mixed number component. The mixed number is between the numerator and the denominator, aligned with the hyphen.

For example: Mixed numbers:

II. Detailed ways to write and read fractions in English

You need to know ordinal and cardinal numbers in order to read fractions in English.

• Cardinal numbers: numbers used for counting. Example: 1 - one, 2 - two,...
• Ordinal numbers: numbers used for numbering. Example: 1st - first, 2nd - second, 3rd - third,..

Here is the most detailed way to write and read fractions in English that you need to understand:

1. Writing and reading the numerator in English

For the numerator, we use cardinal numbers to read and write. For example:

2. Writing and reading the denominator in English

For the denominator, writing and reading are divided into the following 2 cases:

3. Writing and reading mixed numbers in English

A mixed number is composed of the whole number part and the fractional part. The specific way to read a mixed number is as follows: 

• For the whole number part: use counting numbers to read it.
• For the fractional part: use the method of reading fractions as instructed above.
• Between the whole number part and the fractional part, they must be connected with "and".

Formula rule:

Whole number (read using counting numbers) + and + fractional part (following the rules mentioned above)

For example: 

4. Writing and reading special fractions in English

Here are some ways to read special fractions in English that you need to remember:

III. Exercises to practice read fractions in English with answers

Here are some exercises to practice read fractions in English with answers for you to practice.

Exercise 1: Write the following fractions in English

1. 30/652
2. 8/704
3. 1/8
4. 3/10
5. 4/10

Answer:

1. thirty over six five two / thirty over six hundred and fifty two
2. eight over seven zero four/ eight over seven oh four 
3. one-eighth
4.  three-tenths
5. four-tenths

Exercise 2: Write the corresponding fractions.

1. Seven over five four eight five
2. Seven and five eighths
3. Ninety- one over twenty
4. One-quarter or one-fourth
5. Three-quarters or three-fourths

Answer:

1. 7/5485
2. 75/8
3. 91/20
4. 1/4
5. 3/4

IV. Achieve Band 7+ and Beyond

The most thorough and reliable methods for read fractions in English are those listed above. To understand the rules of fractional reading effectively, you can read and solve arithmetic problems in English. If your goal is to achieve a Band 7 or higher, these IELTS resources are for you:

• IELTS preparation: Score Big in IELTS With Our Expert Tips!