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Fraction words

Fraction

A number that describes equal parts of a whole. Every fraction also has its own point on the number line.

A fraction such as 3/4 is written with two numbers, but it names one number. The bottom number (the denominator) tells how many equal parts make one whole. The top number (the numerator) tells how many of those parts we have.

Fractions can be less than one (3/4), equal to one (4/4) or greater than one (6/4). Like every number, each fraction has exactly one place on the number line.

Three of four equal parts are shaded, so the shaded amount is 3/4 of the bar.

See also: Numerator,Denominator,Whole

Try it in a slice

Slice 03

The Bottom Number

What does the bottom number of a fraction mean?

What the bottom number of a fraction counts: all the equal parts that make one whole. · About 3 minutes

Slice 04

The Top Number

What does the top number of a fraction mean?

What the top number of a fraction counts: how many of the equal parts you have. · About 3 minutes

Slice 10

One Number, Not Two

Where is (two fifths) on a number line?

Why 2/5 is one number between 0 and 1, not a 2 and a 5. · About 3 minutes