The definition of fraction
Fractions
 

1. The definition of  fraction.

Just like natural numbers express quantities related to whole objects, fractions express quantities in which objects are divided into equal-sized parts.

A fraction is the quotient of two numbers. That is, it is a division not done. A fraction represents the resulting value or number when doing that division.

 

The elements of a fraction are:
The numerator. It is the number above, it shows the parts we have.
The denominator. It is the number below, it shows the number of the parts in which we have divided each unit.
The vinculum: It is the horizontal line that separates them.

 

You can change the value of the numerator and of the denominator by using the control box below and you will see the graphical representation of the fraction by means of circular sectors.

 

 

In this window the fraction is represented by means of rectangles.

You have to take into account that the unit value is the surface of a square.

The fractions that exceed a square are worth more than 1, and the ones that don't cover a whole square are worth less than 1.


         
           
  Eduardo Barbero Corral
 
Spanish Ministry of Education. Year 2007
 
 

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