What is the top number of a fraction called?

The top number of a fraction is called the numerator. This term refers to the part of the fraction that indicates how many parts of a whole or how many units are being considered. For example, in the fraction ¾, the 3 is the numerator, signifying that three out of four equal parts are being referenced.

Understanding that the numerator represents the counted parts is essential when working with fractions, solving problems, or converting between different numerical representations. The distinction between the numerator and other terms associated with fractions, such as the denominator, helps clarify the structure of fractions and how they express relationships between numbers.