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A fraction is a part of something. In the diagram to the left, the circle is divided into 4 equal parts. One of these parts is shaded. The shaded portion is then 1 out of the 4 equal parts. This is the fraction one-fourth
In this diagram the figure is divided into 6 equal parts. Two of these parts are shaded in. since two
of the 6 equal parts are shaded they represent the fraction two-sixths.
A fraction very simply has two basic parts. The bottom number, or denominator, represents the total number of equal parts that something is divided up into. The top number, or numerator, represents the number of parts that are of interest in some manner, such as the shaded parts above.
As you may see, Fractions are really quite simple! Try and name the fraction represented by the drawing to
the right. When you think you know, scroll down and check your answer.
Did you think it was 5/21? If you did you are right. Even though this is not a smooth circle or rectangle it is divided up into 21 equal parts. (It is the equal parts that matters.) Of the 21 parts there are 5 shaded in. The five shaded parts out of the 21 total makes a fraction of 5/21.
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