Which fraction represents a proper fraction?

A proper fraction is defined as a fraction where the numerator (the top number) is less than the denominator (the bottom number). This means that the value of the fraction is less than 1.

In the case of the fraction 3/5, the numerator is 3 and the denominator is 5. Since 3 is less than 5, this fraction is indeed a proper fraction. This characteristic makes 3/5 a proper fraction because it falls within the range of 0 to 1.

Other fractions in the choices either have numerators that are equal to or greater than their denominators, which classify them as improper fractions or whole numbers. For instance, 5/3 and 6/5 both have numerators greater than their denominators, making them improper fractions, and 4/4 equals 1, which is a whole number and not a proper fraction. Thus, 3/5 stands out as the only proper fraction among the options.