Fractions as numbers

In a nutshell

A fraction is a part of a whole number and a way to split a number up into equal parts.  Fractions can be read in different ways:

• As a division of two numbers: numerator divided by denominator. For example, $$3 \div 4 = \dfrac{3}{4}$$
  
• As a part of a unit or whole number: For example,  $$1$$ brownie from a tray of $$6$$ brownies $$-\dfrac{1}{6}$$​​
  

Notation

Example 1

A pizza is cut into $$6$$​ equal pieces.

A piece: $$\frac{1}{6}$$

Two pieces: $$\frac{2}{6}$$

All six pieces: $$\underline{\dfrac{6}{6}}$$

Example 2

A set of counters has $$25$$ pieces.

One counter: $$\dfrac{1}{25}$$

Three rows of counters: $$\dfrac{15}{25}$$

Fractions as words

You can write fractions both in number and word form.  Below are the word forms of fractions from one whole to one tenth.

Writing fractions

Procedure

1. ​Determine how many equal parts there are in total. Write this number as the denominator.
   
2. Count the number of equal parts that are highlighted. Write this number as the numerator.
   

Example 3

Tina takes three bottles of water from the set of bottles below.

Number of parts there are in total:      

$$5$$​​

Number of parts Tina took:

$$3$$​​

Tina's fraction of the total:

$$\underline{\dfrac{3}{5}}$$​​