What is a Fraction?
A fraction is a way of representing a part of a whole. It consists of two numbers separated by a line, where the number on the top is called the numerator and the number on the bottom is called the denominator. Fractions are used to describe parts of a whole, quantities, or ratios.

Understanding Fractions
- Numerator: The numerator is the number above the fraction line, which represents the part of the whole.
- Denominator: The denominator is the number below the fraction line, which represents the total number of equal parts that make up a whole.

Types of Fractions
- Proper Fraction: A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is less than the denominator.
- Improper Fraction: An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
- Mixed Number: A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction.

Operations with Fractions
- Addition and Subtraction: To add or subtract fractions, you need to have the same denominator. If the denominators are different, you need to find a common denominator.
- Multiplication and Division: To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

Importance of Fractions
Understanding fractions is important in everyday life, especially in cooking, measuring, and understanding proportions. It helps in solving mathematical problems and real-life situations where parts of a whole need to be represented accurately. Fractions are also essential in higher-level math and science subjects.