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Parts of a Whole
Parts of a Whole
Imagine sharing a pizza with friends. If you cut it into 8 slices and take 3, you've taken 3/8 of the pizza. Fractions help us describe parts of things - from dividing food fairly to measuring ingredients precisely. They're the mathematical way to express "not quite whole" amounts.
Parts of a fraction: Numerator = top number (how many parts)
Denominator = bottom number (total parts)
Fraction bar = division line
3/4 means '3 out of 4 equal parts'
Mathematics glossary
- Parts of a fraction
- Numerator = top number (how many parts) Denominator = bottom number (total parts) Fraction bar = division line 3/4 means '3 out of 4 equal parts'
Earn the mark scheme marks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wrong: Not simplifying: Answer = 6/8
✅ Right: Always simplify: 6/8 = 3/4
Marks lost for not giving simplest form
❌ Wrong: 2½ = 2×1 + 2 = 4/2
✅ Right: 2½ = 2×2 + 1 = 5/2
Multiply whole by denominator, not numerator
❌ Wrong: ¾ of 80 = 80÷3×4
✅ Right: ¾ of 80 = 80÷4×3 = 60
Divide by denominator first, then multiply
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 12
In the fraction 5/8, which number is the denominator?
Tap an answer to check it