Concept:
Fractional oxidation states arise from mixed valency.
Step 1: Tend in Group 15.
Down the group, inert pair effect increases → +3 oxidation state becomes more stable.
Step 2: Behaviour of Bismuth.
Bi shows +3 and +5 oxidation states, tendency to form mixed-valence compounds → fractional oxidation states.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Bi most commonly shows fractional oxidation states.