Similar and dissimilar fractions: Definition, Examples

Similar (Like) fractions are fractions with same denominators and dissimilar (Unlike) fractions are fractions with different denominators. Similar and dissimilar fractions are types of fractions. In this post, we will learn about similar and dissimilar fractions with their definitions and examples. In the end, we will provide worksheets of similar fractions.

Definition of Similar Fractions

Two fractions are said to be similar fractions if they have the same denominator. These fractions are also called like fractions

For example, 1/10, 3/10 are similar fractions (like fractions).

Definition of Dissimilar Fractions

Two fractions are said to be dissimilar fractions if their denominators are different. These fractions are also called unlike fractions

For example, 1/10, 3/5 are disimilar fractions (unlike fractions) as they have the different denominators 5 and 10.

Similar and dissimilar fractions Examples

Example 1:

Are $\dfrac{1}{2}$ and $\dfrac{1}{3}$ similar fractions?

Solution:

$\dfrac{1}{2}$ has denominator 2.

$\dfrac{1}{3}$ has denominator 3.

So $\dfrac{1}{2}$ and $\dfrac{1}{3}$ have different denominators. So by the above definition, they are not similar (like) fractions. They are dissimilar fractions, that is, unlike fractions.

Example 2:

Are $\dfrac{1}{5}$ and $\dfrac{3}{5}$ similar fractions?

Solution:

The denominator of $\dfrac{1}{5}$ is 5.

The denominator of $\dfrac{3}{5}$ is 5.

So $\dfrac{1}{5}$ and $\dfrac{3}{5}$ have the denominator 5. So by the above definition, they are similar fractions.

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Types of fractions

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