Common fractions

Common fractions

Numerator 1 4 Denominator

The top number (numerator) counts how many of the bottom number (denominator) there are. You can remember the difference by seeing that the denominator is down below. The denominator determines what we name the fraction, for example, quarters, eighths, etc.

You may use a fractions wall to compare fractions.

Important: Before you compare or add fractions, you must always make the denominators the same. It means that you determine the Least Common Denominator (LCD). When you multiply the denominator by a number, you must also multiply the numerator by the same number.