Fraction Facts:
When talking about fractions:
We must know 'What is the whole?' (a pizza, a rectangle, 6 cookies, 1 inch...)
The parts MUST BE EQUAL.
DENOMINATOR - The denominator is the total number of part in 1 whole.
Think of the d in denominator as 'down'. The denominator is down below the dividing line in a fraction.
NUMERATOR - The numerator is the number of parts we're talking about.
The numerator is the number on the top of the fraction. If you turn the "n" in numerator upside down, it becomes a "u". Think of "u" as 'up', on the top of the dividing line in a fraction.)
Fractions - What is 1 WHOLE?
When working with fractions on a number line…we say
“fractions are numbers between 0 and 1.
We mean,
“fractions are numbers that are more than 0 but less than 1 WHOLE of something."
When we think about fractions, we have to know what the whole is.
1 WHOLE could be the space from 0 to 1 on a number line.
1 WHOLE could be the space between 1 and 2, (because 2 - 1 = 1) or
1 WHOLE could be the space between 2 to 3. (because 3 - 2 = 1)
1 WHOLE could be a batch of cookies, 1 WHOLE BATCH.
1 WHOLE could be a set of 3 match box cars or a whole rectangle.
Basic Fractions Reference Sheet
Cool Math - What are Fractions?
Fractions on a Number line - Reference Sheet
Equivalent Fractions - Interactive review and practice
Equivalent Fractions Reference Sheet
(Unit Fractions mean the numerator equals "1")
Comparing Fractions with EQUAL Denominators
Study jams - Basic Fractions) - Supplemental Video #1
*Fractions on a Number Line - Supplemental Video #2
Learn Zillion Fractions on a Number Line - Supplemental Video #3
Learn Zillion 2 Fractions on a Number Line - Supplemental Video #4
For Parents - Supplemental Video #5
Guide to all things Fractions in 10 steps (includes things for older students as well!)