Fractions
A fraction is a way of expressing division since the fraction bar indicates division.
The number below the bar is called the denominator. It tells the number of equal parts into which the whole has been divided.
The number above the bar is called the numerator. It tells how many of the equal parts are being considered.
Example 1:
The whole has been divided into 5 parts and 2 are being considered.
A proper fraction is a fraction whose numerator is less than its denominator. If the numerator is greater than the denominator, then it is an improper fraction.
Example 2:
A number which consists of a whole number plus a fraction is a mixed number. Mixed numbers can be written as an improper fraction and an improper fraction can be written as a mixed number.
Example 3:
Write 
as an improper fraction.
Example 4:
Write 
as an improper fraction.
A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factor other than 1. To write a fraction in lowest terms, divide the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor.
Example 5:
Write 
as an improper fraction.
45 and 75 have a common factor of 15.
See also fraction operations.
