A Closer Look at Fractions!

• A fraction is a number that represents EQUAL PARTS of a WHOLE item or group.

• A fraction is made up of two parts: the numerator and the denominator.

The numerator is the TOP number in a fraction. it identifies the number of EQUAL PARTS that are shaded in or taken away from the whole.

The denominator is the BOTTOM number in a fraction. It identifies the TOTAL NUMBER of EQUAL PARTS that make up the WHOLE.

• The LARGER the denominator, the smaller the EQUAL PARTS that make up the whole.

• The LARGER the denominator, the more equal parts needed to make up the whole.

Breaking a Snickers bar into THREE equal parts (thirds) would make bigger pieces than if you cut it into TEN equal pieces (tenths).

Cutting a pizza into EIGHT equal slices (eighths) would create smaller slices than cutting it into six equal slices (sixths).

It takes two halves to make one WHOLE (2/2)

It takes four fourths to make one WHOLE (4/4).

It takes eight eighths to make one WHOLE (8/8).

A mixed number is a number that has a WHOLE NUMBER with a FRACTION beside it.

The whole number in a mixed number identifies how many whole items or groups are shaded in.

The fraction in a mixed number represents how many equal parts are shaded in within an item or group that is not completely shaded in.

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• An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is LARGER than the denominator.

• 7/6 is an improper fraction.

• 3/2 is an improper fraction.

• 8/4 is an improper fraction.