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What is a fraction?

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Quick answer

A fraction is a way of representing a part of a whole. It's written as two numbers separated by a line — like ¾ — where the bottom number (denominator) says how many equal parts the whole is divided into, and the top number (numerator) says how many of those parts you have.

Key things to understand

  1. A fraction shows a part of a whole: ¾ means 3 of 4 equal parts.
  2. The top number is the numerator (how many parts); the bottom is the denominator (how many parts make a whole).
  3. A bigger denominator means smaller pieces (⅛ pieces are smaller than ¼ pieces).
  4. Fractions can be equivalent — ½, 2/4, and 4/8 all represent the same amount.
  5. Fractions, decimals, and percentages are three ways of writing the same idea: ½ = 0.5 = 50%.

People also ask

What do the two numbers in a fraction mean?
The top number (numerator) is how many parts you have; the bottom number (denominator) is how many equal parts the whole is split into. In ¾, you have 3 of 4 equal parts.
What is an equivalent fraction?
Different fractions that represent the same amount, like ½ and 2/4. You get one by multiplying or dividing the top and bottom by the same number.
How are fractions and decimals related?
They're two ways of writing the same value. Divide the numerator by the denominator and you get the decimal: ¾ = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75.
What do the top and bottom of a fraction mean?
The bottom (denominator) is how many equal parts make the whole; the top (numerator) is how many you have.
How do you add fractions?
Give them the same denominator, then add the numerators (e.g., 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2).