What Exactly is a Fraction?

What Exactly is a Fraction?

I can describe a fraction as equal parts of a whole.

A fraction...

• is a part of a whole or part of a set

• that has been divided into EQUAL parts

Denominator...

• the number of equal parts the whole or the set has been divided into

• the bottom number of the fraction

Numerator...

• the part of the fraction that tells how many of the equal parts are being used

• these are the parts that are "SPECIAL" for example the ones that are shaded, blue, striped, etc.

• this is the top number in a fraction

How to Read a Fraction...

• you say the top number (the numerator)

• then you say the bottom number (the denominator), but it has "th" on the end of it

• for example 1/4 would be said "one fourth"

• The exception is when the denominator is a 2, we wouldn't say twoth, instead this would be half, so 1/2 would be said "one half"

How to Write a Fraction...

• count the number of equal pieces the whole or set has been divided into, this is your denominator -- so write it UNDER the line

• count the number of "SPECIAL" pieces, this is your numerator -- so write it ABOVE the line

• Now let's practice!

Multiple Choice

What is the bottom number in a fraction called?

• factor

• numerator

• divisor

• denominator

Multiple Choice

What is the top number in a fraction called?

• factor

• numerator

• divisor

• denominator

Multiple Choice

What is the fraction of the UNshaded part?

• 1/5

• 1/6

• 5/6

• 4/5

Multiple Choice

What is the fraction of the shaded part?

• 4/8

• 3/6

• 2/6

• 3/8

Multiple Choice

Which picture shows 3/4?

• green

• blue

• purple

• pink

Multiple Choice

What fraction of the rectangle is SHADED?

• ¹/₈

• ⁶/₈

• ¹/₆

Multiple Choice

What fraction of the circle is NOT shaded?

• ³⁄₄

• ⁴∕₅

• ⅕

Multiple Choice

What fraction of the rectangle is SHADED?

• ⅔

• ¾

• ¼

Multiple Choice

What fraction of the circle is NOT shaded?

• ⅙

• ⅚

• ¼

Multiple Choice

A pizza has 5 pieces. Sara eats 3 of the pieces. What fraction of the pizza did Sara eat?

• 3/5

• 2/5

• 5/5

• 1/5