What Is a Fraction?

This website has many ways and games for practising fractions. But before you start, it's good to know what you're working with. What exactly is a fraction?

A fraction consists of 3 parts: A numerator, a fraction bar, and a denominator.

First you have the numerator, as you can see, this is the number above the line. A numerator is a cardinal number. The number underneath the line is called the denominator, this is also a cardinal number. The numerator and denominator together are called the fractional number. The line between the numerator and denominator is called the fraction bar. In this fraction you see that the numerator 1, consists of 1 part of the size of denominator 2.

Because a fraction is always made of cardinal numbers, there are never any decimals in the fraction.

A solution of a cardinal number divided by another cardinal number is called a fraction.

There are 2 types of fractions: proper fractions and improper fractions. A proper fraction is less than 1 and an improper fraction is more than 1. A fraction in which the numerator is 1 is called a unit fraction.

Some fractions also have a name.