Fractions are an integral part of our everyday lives; they are generally defined as a part of a whole. Fractions are mathematical expressions consisting of two components: the numerator and the denominator. The numerator of a fraction indicates how much of the whole is present, while the denominator expresses the total number of equal parts into which the whole is divided.
For example:
In baking, an exact measure of ingredients is added to create a perfect recipe. We use fractions such as ¼ cup of flour or ¾ cup of milk. Even in tests, fractions are used to represent scores, such as 19/20 or 15/20.
Now, we will delve further into this topic and explore how fractions are utilised in understanding sports scores.
Sports That Incorporate Fractions in Scoring Systems
Multiple sports incorporate fractions into their scoring systems.
Basketball
Basketball, for example, uses fractions to illustrate a player’s scoring ability. It is calculated as the total number of successful baskets divided by the number of overall attempts.
The same applies to free throws; the percentage is calculated by dividing the number of successful free throws by the total attempts. If a player scores 1 out of 2 free throws, that gives a fraction of ½ or a 50% free throw percentage.
Additionally, in basketball, points are awarded based on the area from which the shot is made: 3 points for a shot from beyond the three-point line, 2 points for a regular basket, and 1 point for a free throw. Fractions can be used to determine the ratio of these different point types, giving insight into which shots contribute most significantly to winning the game.
Football
Football (or soccer) also uses fractions, particularly in dividing game time. The 90-minute match is divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute break in between. At the end of the first half, the term ‘half-time’ is used to mark 45 minutes out of 90 minutes, which is ½ of the match. This fraction can increase if additional time is added, such as an extra ¼.
The scoring efficiency of a team can also be expressed using fractions. For instance, if a team scores 2 goals out of 8 attempts, the scoring efficiency is 2/8 or ¼.
Also Read: How Is Maths Used In Football: Relationship Of Football And Mathematics
Rugby
Rugby similarly divides its game time into quarters, marking each quarter as a fraction of the overall game, including the half-time.
Cricket
Cricket match results are often represented using fractions to indicate the number of games won relative to the total games played. In a One Day International (ODI) series, usually comprising 3 games, if Team A wins 1 out of the 3 games while Team B wins 2 out of the 3 games, Team B is declared the winner.
The economy rate of bowlers also utilises fractions. To calculate the economy rate, the number of runs conceded is divided by the number of overs bowled. For example, if a bowler concedes 28 runs in 10 overs, the economy rate is 2.8 runs per over, which is considered a commendable achievement.
During tournaments, the Net Run Rate (NRR) is used to rank teams and is calculated by taking the difference between a team’s run rate and that of their opponents. Fractions are essential in these calculations to accurately assess performance and ranking.
In cricket, the run rate is a critical statistic used to analyse strategies and game plans. It specifies the rate at which a team is scoring runs, calculated by dividing the total runs scored by the number of overs played. For instance, if a team scores 200 runs in 20 overs, the run rate would be 200/20 = 10 runs per over.
Another vital statistic is the strike rate, which measures how quickly a batsman scores runs. For example, if a batsman scores 30 runs off 15 balls, the strike rate is calculated as (30/15) × 100 = 200.
Fractions can also be used to determine the number of matches won as a percentage of total matches played. If a team has played 20 matches and won 50% of them, the number of matches won would be (50/100) × 20 = 10 matches.
Also Read: 18 Reasons To Encourage Your Child To Play Cricket
Tennis
Tennis also uses fractions, particularly in determining racquet grip sizes. Tennis racquet grip sizes are often expressed as mixed fractions, such as 1 1/9 inches, which can be converted into improper fractions for accuracy.
In tennis scoring, a player needs to win 4 points with a minimum two-point lead, such as 40-30 or 30-15. Probabilities and other outcomes can also be represented fractionally.
Also Read: Tennis: Rules for Singles & Doubles You Must Know.
Golf
Golf is another sport where fractions play a significant role. Scores are evaluated using fractions, often in relation to par. If a golfer completes a hole one stroke under par, it is noted as -1 or -1/1, known as a birdie. Conversely, if it is two over par, it is noted as +2/1, also called a double bogey.
Fractions are also used in measuring the lengths of golf courses, such as the distance to hazards or the lengths of holes, often expressed in yards or metres. For example, a distance of 350 yards and 2 feet can be written as 350 2/3 yards for precision.
Also Read: Miniature Golf: Indoor Putting Adventures
Formula 1
Formula 1 racing also uses fractions in its point system. Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers, with the first place receiving 25 points, and as the rank descends, a fraction of points is subtracted. The second place gets 18 points, the third gets 15, and so on.
Lap times in racing are recorded to the thousandth of a second, demonstrating how fractions ensure accuracy and precision in distributing points and determining ranks.
Conclusion
Fractions are essential for understanding sports scores for various purposes, such as evaluating strategies, analysing performance, and reviewing results. Understanding these mathematical concepts enhances one’s appreciation of the game, aids in strategic decision-making, and allows for fair comparisons between players and teams.
