Fractions
Parts of a whole — numerator and denominator
Understand fractions as parts of a whole and learn to add, subtract and compare them.
📖 Understanding Fractions
A fraction represents a part of a whole. It is written as two numbers separated by a line: the numerator (top) shows how many parts we have, and the denominator (bottom) shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
For example, ¾ means the whole is divided into 4 equal parts and we have 3 of them.
Equivalent fractions have the same value but different numbers. ½ = 2/4 = 3/6. You create equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both numerator and denominator by the same number.
To add or subtract fractions, the denominators must be the same (common denominator). To compare fractions, convert them to the same denominator first.
🔑 Key Points to Remember
- ✓Numerator = how many parts you have (top)
- ✓Denominator = total equal parts (bottom)
- ✓Proper fraction: numerator < denominator (e.g. ¾)
- ✓Improper fraction: numerator > denominator (e.g. 5/3)
- ✓Mixed number: whole + fraction (e.g. 1⅔)
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