Numerator and Denominator: Definition and Difference

Numerator and Denominator

Fractions are frequently used in maths to represent parts of a whole. Two numbers separated by a line, such as 1/4, are used to represent a fraction. The fraction is 1/4 if a cake is divided into 4 equal pieces and you only eat one. The numerator, which shows the portions taken, is the highest number (1). 

The denominator, which displays the total number of equal parts, is the bottom number (4). Numerator simply means how many parts you have, and denominator simply means how many parts make the whole. Fractions are useful for everyday calculations, sharing, and dividing. Here, we provide what is numerator and denominator, the difference between the numerator and the denominator and more:

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What is Numerator and Denominator?

What is numerator and denominator is a common question that students ask while learning about fractions. A fraction is a way to show a part of something. We use it when we divide things into equal parts, like cutting a pizza, sharing chocolates, or splitting money. Instead of writing long sentences, fractions make it easy to show parts with numbers. A fraction has two important parts, i.e. numerator and the denominator.

• The numerator is the number written on the top of a fraction. It tells us how many parts we have or how many parts are chosen. For example, in the fraction 2/7, the numerator is 2. If a pizza is cut into 7 equal slices and you eat 2 slices, then the numerator is 2, because that shows the number of slices you took.

• The denominator is the number written at the bottom of a fraction. It shows the total number of equal parts a whole is divided into. For example, in the fraction 2/7, the denominator is 7. This means the whole object is cut into 7 equal parts. If a pizza is divided into 7 slices, then 7 is the denominator because it represents the total slices of the pizza.

For example, in the fraction 3/8, the numerator is 3, and the denominator is 8. This means 3 out of 8 equal parts are taken. Fractions help in dividing, sharing, and everyday calculations.

Read More: Tips to Help Your Child Master Numbers and Boost Brainpower

Difference Between Numerator and Denominator

While numerator and denominator is a part of fraction, they both are different from each other. Sometimes students get confused between them, that’s why understanding the different between numerator and denominator is important. 

As we learned, the numerator shows the parts we take, while the denominator shows the total parts of the whole. Knowing the difference between numerator and denominator helps us understand fractions better and solve problems in maths easily. 

Numerator and Denominator of a Fraction

The numerator and denominator of a fraction always work together to show parts of a whole. The numerator is the number on top that tells us how many parts are taken, while the denominator is the bottom number that shows total equal parts. 

For example, in 2/6, numerator = 2 and denominator = 6. In 3/8, numerator = 3 slices eaten, denominator = 8 total slices.

Read More: 30-60-90 Triangle 

Numerator and Denominator in Division

Fractions are closely linked to division. The numerator and denominator of a fraction show how division works. The numerator is divided by the denominator. 

For example, 12/4 means 12 ÷ 4 = 3, where 12 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator. Similarly, 8/2 means 8 ÷ 2 = 4. So, when we write fractions, we are simply writing numbers in division form.

Read More: What is a Polyhedron

Numerator and Denominator Examples

Fractions become easy to learn when we use examples. The numerator and denominator of a fraction are just numbers that tell us how many parts we have and how many parts in total. Below are numerator and denominator examples:

1. 5/9: Numerator = 5, Denominator = 9

5 chocolates out of 9 are eaten.

2. 1/2: Numerator = 1, Denominator = 2
   1 half of an apple is eaten.

3. 7/10: Numerator = 7, Denominator = 10
   7 red pencils out of 10.

Also read: Counting Numbers

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