Skill: Identify proper fractions

A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than its positive denominator. It represents less than one whole.

To identify a proper fraction:

1. Look at the numerator, the top number. It tells how many parts are being counted.
2. Look at the denominator, the bottom number. It tells how many equal parts make one whole.
3. Compare the two numbers. If the numerator is smaller, the fraction is proper.

Example: Is $\frac{3}{5}$ a proper fraction?

• The numerator is $3$.
• The denominator is $5$.
• Since $3<5$, the numerator is smaller than the denominator.

Therefore, $\frac{3}{5}$ is a proper fraction. It represents $3$ out of $5$ equal parts, so its value is greater than $0$ and less than $1$.