Maths glossary · South Africa
Denominator
The bottom number of a fraction: how many equal parts make the whole.
In 3/4, the denominator is 4, so the whole is split into 4 equal parts. The bigger the denominator, the smaller each part.
Example: 1/8 of a cake is smaller than 1/4 of the same cake.
Lessons, worksheets, practice and tools on this: Fractions.
Related words
- Fraction: A number that names part of a whole or part of a group.
- Numerator: The top number of a fraction: how many equal parts you have.
- Equivalent fractions: Fractions that look different but name the same amount.
- Mixed number: A number made of a whole number and a fraction.
- Improper fraction: A fraction whose numerator is greater than or equal to its denominator.