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Mathematics

What is Fractions?

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It's written as two numbers — a numerator over a denominator (like 3/4) — where the bottom says how many equal parts the whole is split into and the top says how many you have.

See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains fractions.
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Key things to understand

  • 1The denominator (bottom) = number of equal parts; numerator (top) = parts you have.
  • 23/4 means 3 out of 4 equal parts.
  • 3Equivalent fractions represent the same value (1/2 = 2/4).
  • 4Fractions, decimals, and percentages are different ways to write the same thing.

Frequently asked questions

What do the top and bottom of a fraction mean?
The bottom (denominator) is how many equal parts make the whole; the top (numerator) is how many you have.
How do you add fractions?
Give them the same denominator, then add the numerators (e.g., 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4 = 1/2).
What is an equivalent fraction?
A fraction that looks different but equals the same value, like 1/2 and 2/4.

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