Identify fractions greater than one

A positive fraction is greater than one when it represents more than one whole: in $\frac{a}{b}$ , the numerator counts more equal parts than the denominator requires for one whole ( $a>b$ ); $a=b$ represents exactly one. Area models and number lines show such fractions extending beyond 1, and they may be written as an improper fraction or a whole number plus a fraction. Operations and more advanced fraction comparisons are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Identify fractions greater than one

A fraction is greater than 1 when it shows more than one whole.

In $\frac{a}{b}$ :

The denominator $b$ tells how many equal parts make one whole.
The numerator $a$ tells how many parts there are.
If the numerator is greater than the denominator, then the fraction is greater than $1$ .

Example: Is $\frac{7}{4}$ greater than 1?

The denominator is $4$ , so 4 fourths make 1 whole:

\frac{4}{4}=1

The numerator is $7$ , so $\frac{7}{4}$ means 7 fourths.
Since $7>4$ , there are enough fourths to make one whole, with extra fourths left over.

Therefore,

\frac{7}{4}>1

You can picture $\frac{7}{4}$ as 1 whole and 3 more fourths:

\frac{7}{4}=1\frac{3}{4}

Remember: compare the numerator and denominator. If the numerator is larger, the positive fraction is greater than 1.

Learn by doing: Identify fractions greater than one

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Number Line - Improper Fractions, Read Number - Labelled

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