The Fraction Line

It is amazing how many students don't know this.......A key concept about fractions (as students get past halves, thirds and quarters) is that the horizontal line that divides the two numbers is indeed a "division" sign. When you see a fraction it is mathematically "top number divided by bottom number". When you have five objects and take two objects you have taken 2/5 of them *(or two "out of" 5.) You have taken 2 divided by 5 = 0.4

To get from a fraction to the equivalent decimal just work out top number divided by bottom number.

This concept is essential for students when beginning to understand how to manipulate algebraic equations and expressions.