Fractions are numbers that represent equal parts of a whole or a group. A fraction is written with two numbers separated by a line: the top number is called the numerator, and the bottom number is called the denominator.
The numerator shows how many parts you have. The denominator shows how many equal parts make the whole.
When a shape is divided into equal parts, each part represents a fraction of the whole shape. To identify the fraction, count the shaded (or chosen) parts and compare them to the total number of equal parts.
Fractions must always be based on equal parts. If the parts are not equal, the fraction does not represent the whole correctly.
These are fractions that often appear when shapes are divided into equal parts:
When more than one part is shaded, the numerator changes. For example, shading 2 out of 4 equal parts of a square makes the fraction 2⁄4, which is also equal to 1⁄2.
Fractions can be used to describe parts of shapes or groups in everyday language. Practice explaining fractions with full sentences.
When writing or speaking about fractions, always connect the numerator to the denominator clearly. This helps explain what part of the whole is being described.