Fractions

Mathematics An expression that indicates the quotient of two quantities, such as 1 / 3 .

a numerical quantity that is not a whole number

Characteristics of Fractions When the numerator is less than the denominator, the fraction is proper, i.e., less than unity. When the reverse is true, e.g., 5/2, the fraction is improper, i.e., greater than unity. When a fraction is written with a whole number, e.g., 31/2, the expression is called a mixed number.