A fraction shows a part of a whole. The top number, the numerator, counts how many parts you have. The bottom number, the denominator, tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into. In 3/4, you have three of four equal pieces.

Fractions can be equivalent: 1/2 equals 2/4 equals 50/100. They can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided using specific rules. To add fractions, you need a common denominator. To multiply, you multiply numerators and denominators.

Fractions appear in measurement, cooking, probability, and algebra. They connect to decimals and percentages. Every rational number can be written as a fraction. Understanding fractions is essential for algebra and for everyday quantitative reasoning.

• Represents part of a whole
• Numerator over denominator
• Equivalent fractions represent the same value
• Connect to decimals, percentages, and rational numbers