What is a fraction?
A fraction shows equal parts of one whole. In 3/4, the top number (the numerator) tells how many parts we take, and the bottom number (the denominator) tells how many equal parts there are in all. The line in between means "out of".
Key idea
When the denominators are the same, add or subtract only the top numbers. Keep the bottom number the same.
Comparing and adding
To compare fractions with the same bottom number, look at the top numbers.
- Same bottom number? The bigger top number is the bigger fraction.
- Same top number? The smaller bottom number is the bigger fraction.
- 4/4 means one whole.
Worked example
A pizza is cut into 8 equal slices. Ali eats 1 slice, then 2 more slices.
He eats 1/8 + 2/8 = 3/8 of the pizza. The bottom number stays 8, and 1 + 2 = 3 on top. So Ali has eaten 3 slices out of 8.
Remember
- Numerator is on top, denominator is at the bottom.
- Same denominators: just add or subtract the tops.
- 4/4, 8/8 and 3/3 all equal one whole.