Fraction Vocabulary

Fraction – A way of representing part of a

whole or part of a group.

Numerator – The number on top that tel ls how many equal parts are described in the fract ion.

Denominator – The quantity below the line in a fraction. It tells the number of equal parts into which the whole is divided.

Equivalent FractionsFractions that name the same

number or amount.

3 6 4 8

S imp l e s t F ormA fraction that has 1 as the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator. The numerator and denominator

are as low as they can go.

Greatest Common Factor•Also known as GCF•The largest number that

divides evenly into two or more numbers.

•Used when simplifying fractions

Least Common DenominatorThe least common multiple of the

denominators of two or more fractions.

Ex: 4/8 and 5/6

Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56

Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48

The Least Common Denominator would be 24.

Mixed NumberNumber that contains a whole number

and a fraction. Ex: 3 ½

Improper FractionFraction in which the numerator is bigger than the denominator.

You must DIVIDE to make it into a mixed number. EX: 25

4

Mixed NumberNumber that contains a whole number

and a fraction. Ex: 3 ½

Improper FractionFraction in which the numerator is bigger than the denominator.

You must DIVIDE to make it into a mixed number. EX: 25

4