Basic Parts of a Whole

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What is a fraction? A fraction is a number that show parts of a whole. The denominator, or bottom number of a fraction, tells the total number of parts in the whole. The numerator, or top number of a fraction, tells the number of parts of the whole. Halves, thirds, and fourths are all fractions. You can write a fraction using numbers, but you can also write them with just words or with words and number: 1 out of 2 is the same as one-half. How did the quarter get its name? Watch the movie to find out!