Definition

1. Noun:
   • The top number in a fraction: In a fraction written as a/b, the numerator is the number 'a' written above the line (the fraction bar). It represents the number of equal parts being considered or counted.
   • The dividend of a fraction: In the division expression that a fraction represents, the numerator is the number being divided (the dividend).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In the fraction 3/4, the numerator is 3.
  • To add fractions with the same denominator, you add the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
  • A larger numerator indicates more parts are being taken from the whole.

Advanced Usage

• "Common numerator": A situation where different fractions share the same top number.
  • Comparing 5/8 and 5/12 is easier because they have a common numerator of 5.
• "Rationalizing the numerator": A mathematical technique, less common than rationalizing the denominator, where the expression is manipulated to remove radicals (like square roots) from the numerator of a fraction.

Variants and Related Words

• Numerical (adj): Relating to or expressed as a number.
  • The numerical value of the fraction increased when the numerator was doubled.
• Enumerate (verb): To mention a number of things one by one.
  • This verb is related etymologically but has a different meaning from the mathematical term 'numerator'.

Synonyms

• Dividend (in the specific context of a fraction): The number to be divided.
• Top number (informal): A simple, non-technical term for the numerator.

Antonyms

• Denominator: The bottom number in a fraction, which names the type of parts (e.g., fourths, tenths) and is the divisor.

Noun

1. the dividend of a fraction