A fraction is another way to represent division. The following is an example:
\(\displaystyle 5\div7=\frac{5}{7}\)
The top (numerator) represents the number of pieces of the whole. The bottom (denominator) represents the number it takes to make one whole. Another way to think of this is that the denominator tells us the size of each piece. The bigger the denominator, the smaller each piece is within the whole thing.
Quick Tip
This is where we get the / to mean division. Fractions can be written as \(\dfrac{5}{7}\) or they might be written as \(5/7\). You may see them written either way in this course.
Introduction to Fractions
Additional Resources
- Khan Academy: Introduction to Fractions (04:14 mins, Transcript)
- Khan Academy: More About Fractions (05:40 mins, Transcript)
- Khan Academy: More than one Equal Section (03:47 mins, Transcript)
- Khan Academy: Identifying Numerators and Denominators (02:30 mins, Transcript)
Practice Problems
1. In the fraction \(\dfrac{2}{3}\), what is the numerator and what is the denominator? (
Solution
2. Suppose you invited seven friends to a party and five of them attended. Give a fraction that represents the proportion of your friends who attended the party. (
Video Solution
3. What fraction of the whole does the shaded portion represent?
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Video Solution
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Solution
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