Definition:Fraction/Term

Definition

The terms of a fraction are referred to as the numerator and the denominator:

Numerator

The term $a$ is known as the numerator of $\dfrac a b$.

Denominator

The term $b$ is known as the denominator of $\dfrac a b$.

A helpful mnemonic to remember which goes on top and which goes on the bottom is "Numerator Over Denominator", which deserves a "nod" for being correct.

Sources

• 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): term: 1.
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): term: 1.
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): term: 1.