Fractions represent a part of a whole and are expressed as a ratio of two integers, where the top number is called the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator. For example, in the fraction 1/2, 1 is the numerator, indicating one part, while 2 is the denominator, indicating two equal parts in total. Fractions can be proper, improper, or mixed, depending on the relationship between the numerator and denominator. Understanding fractions is essential in various real-life applications, such as cooking, budgeting, and measuring. They allow us to divide quantities into smaller, manageable parts, making it easier to work with numbers in everyday situations. Mastering fractions lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts, including decimals and percentages.