Fraction words
Fraction words, explained
The words teachers use for fractions, in plain English. Each one comes with a picture and a slice to try.
- Fraction
- A number that describes equal parts of a whole. Every fraction also has its own point on the number line.
- Numerator
- The top number of a fraction. It counts how many of the equal parts we have.
- Denominator
- The bottom number of a fraction. It tells how many equal parts make one whole.
- Whole
- The one complete thing, length or group that a fraction is a part of.
- Equal parts
- Parts that are exactly the same size. A fraction only makes sense when the whole is split into equal parts.
- Unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 on top, such as 1/2, 1/3 or 1/8. It is one equal part of the whole.
- Improper fraction
- A fraction whose top number is equal to or bigger than its bottom number, such as 6/4 or 5/5. It is worth one whole or more.
- Mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction written together, such as 1 2/4. It means one whole and two fourths more.
- Equivalent fractions
- Fractions that name the same amount, such as 1/2, 2/4 and 4/8. They share one point on the number line.
- Simplest form
- A fraction is in simplest form when its top and bottom numbers share no factor except 1, such as 3/4 (but not 6/8).
- Number line
- A line where every point is a number. Fractions have their own places between the whole numbers.
- Benchmark fraction
- A familiar fraction, such as 1/2, used as a reference point for comparing other fractions.
- Common denominator
- A shared bottom number, so two fractions are written with the same-size parts. Adding and subtracting need one.
- Area model
- A rectangle split one way to show one fraction and the other way to show a second. The overlap shows their product.
- Fraction of a set
- A fraction of a group of objects, found by sharing the group into equal groups.