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Fraction words

Numerator

The top number of a fraction. It counts how many of the equal parts we have.

In 3/5, the numerator is 3: we have three of the fifths. The numerator counts parts; the denominator says what size those parts are.

Because the numerator counts parts of a particular size, a bigger numerator only means a bigger fraction when the parts are the same size. 3/8 has a bigger numerator than 2/3, but 2/3 is the larger number.

In 3/5, three of the five equal parts are shaded.

See also: Denominator,Fraction

Try it in a slice

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 07

The Bigger Numerator Trap

Which is bigger, (three eighths) or (two thirds)?

Why 2/3 is bigger than 3/8, even though 3 is bigger than 2. · About 3 minutes

Slice 13

Same Bottom, Compare the Top

How do you compare fractions with the same denominator?

Why 5/7 is bigger than 2/7: the pieces are the same size, so the one with more pieces is bigger. · About 3 minutes