Intoduction to Fractions

What are FRACTIONS? Fractions are a part of the whole We use fractions all the time. Have you ever used a steel tape or a ruler? Inches are divided into parts Have you ever used a measuring cup? Cups are divided into parts

1 Numerator 4 Denominator Parts of fractions The top number is the numerator. The bottom number is the denominator.

Types of fractions Proper fractions – the top number (numerator) is SMALLER than the bottom number (denominator). THIS IS THE PROPER FORM FOR AN ANSWER. Improper fractions – the top number is LARGER than the bottom number. Mixed numbers – a whole number and a fraction. 1 2 3 4 2

Quick Review What are Fractions? Part of the whole The Top number is the _____________. Numerator The Bottom number is the ____________. Denominator What are the 3 types of fractions? Proper Improper Mixed Numbers

Think of a fraction as a pie Pretend that you ate 3 pieces of a pie that was cut into 4 pieces 3 4 3 pieces that you ate The pie was cut into 4 pieces In fractions the bottom number (denominator) always refers to how many pieces something has been cut into. The top number (numerator) always refers to how many pieces you have

1 4 Into how many pieces has this cake been cut? How many pieces did Bob eat? 1 4

3 8 Into how many pieces has this cake been cut? How many pieces did Bob eat? 3 8

7 15 Therefore Bob ate 7/15 of the cake! Into how many pieces did Bob cut the cake? How many pieces of the cake did Bob eat? Therefore Bob ate 7/15 of the cake!