Identifying Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It is written as two numbers separated by a line, like $$\frac{a}{b}$$ , where 'a' is the numerator (part) and 'b' is the denominator (whole).

The numerator is the top number in a fraction. It shows how many parts we have.

The denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same value, like $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$\frac{2}{4}$$ .

To find equivalent fractions, multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by the same number.

A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator, like $$\frac{3}{4}$$ .

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, like $$\frac{5}{4}$$ .

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, like 1 $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

To convert, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.

The shaded fraction shows the part of the whole that is colored or filled in. For example, if 3 out of 5 parts are shaded, it is $$\frac{3}{5}$$ .