Why is it Difficult to Understand Fractions?

Abstract

 Fractions, decimals and percentage are among such topics which are taught in the schools during the initial years of learning mathematics. However, due to poor conceptualisation, the students often find it difficult to understand these topics and a perception starts to grow among the children that mathematics is a difficult subject to study and everyone cannot learn it. The present paper is intended to find out the reasons which make it difficult to understand fractions, be it the inherent nature of fractions or the methods generally used to teach fractions or the psychological reasons related to cognition of the children. The paper discusses the reasons behind difficulties in teaching and learning of fractions, which may give an insight to the teachers about these difficulties from the point of view of the beginners so that they can prepare accordingly to deliver lessons on fractions.