Fractions: Unit 9
Vocabulary:
What does a fraction
look like?
Fraction: a symbol that names equal parts of a whole
A fraction is written with a numerator and a
Unit Fraction: a fraction with a numerator of 1. ex: 1/5
Numerator: shows how many equal parts are described; the
top number
denominator. A line goes through the middle to
separate the numerator from the denominator.
Denominator: shows the total number of equal parts in a
whole; the bottom number
adf Mixed Numbers: numbers with a whole number part and a
fraction part. You can used mixed numbers to name points
1
numerator
3
denominator
The fraction one third can be shown with regions
and with a set. See the example below.
REGIONS:
SETS:
on a number line.
Benchmark Fractions: commonly used fractions like ¼, ½,
or ¾ . These are not the only benchmark fractions. Fractions on a Number line:
Some points between whole numbers on the number
line can be labeled with fractions or mixed numbers.
Benchmark fractions are fractions that we use often.
They help us estimate about how many parts of a whole
The denominator of the fraction can be found by
something is.
counting the number of equal parts between two
Common benchmark fractions: ½, ⅓, ⅔, , and ¾
whole numbers.
Benchmark fractions are often used around the house.
1
2
part
parts
If you help mom in the kitchen, you may notice she uses
measuring cups when cooking. A recipe may ask for ½
1
2
3
4
part
parts
parts
parts
a cup of flour and ⅓ cup of milk. We also use benchmark
fractions when measuring with a ruler or tape measure.
These are shown by the little marks between the whole
numbers.
2
Benchmark Fractions:
2¼
2½
2¾
3