Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is expressed as a ratio of two numbers, the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number).

The numerator is the top number in a fraction that indicates how many parts of the whole are being considered.

The denominator is the bottom number in a fraction that indicates the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

A fraction equals one whole when the numerator and denominator are the same, such as 4/4.

To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator.

Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same value or proportion of a whole.

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 1 1/2.

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as 5/4.

To add fractions, you must have a common denominator; if the denominators are different, find a common denominator before adding the numerators.