A unit fraction has 1 on top — it shows ONE equal part of a whole!
A FRACTION names equal parts of a whole. A UNIT FRACTION always has 1 as the numerator (top number). It describes exactly one of the equal parts the whole was divided into.
Numerator = number of parts we have. Denominator = total equal parts the whole is split into.
Unit fractions shown as parts of a circle:
The larger the denominator, the SMALLER each piece — more cuts means tinier slices!
Cut a pizza into 4 equal slices. Each slice is 1/4 of the pizza. If you cut it into 8 equal slices, each slice is 1/8 — smaller pieces!
Remember This!
When comparing unit fractions, the BIGGER the denominator, the SMALLER the piece. 1/8 is smaller than 1/3 because you cut the pizza into more (smaller) slices.
A sandwich is cut into 3 equal parts. What fraction names one of those parts?