5th Grade · Number & Operations—Fractions

Denominator

5.NF.A.1

Definition

The bottom number of a fraction, showing the total number of equal parts in the whole.

Examples

  • In 3/5, the denominator is 5 (total parts).
  • In 7/8, the denominator is 8.

Key rule

The denominator tells how many equal parts make up the whole.

Memory hook

The denominator is down below, naming the whole.