Numbers: Fractions
In English, fraction names are typically formed by combining the numerator (top/left number) and the denominator (bottom/right number). Here's a brief guide on how to say them:
Simple Fractions:
Numerator: This is always expressed as a cardinal number. (one, two, three...)
Denominator: This is expressed as an ordinal number. (third, fifth, tenth...)
Examples:
2/5 "two fifth"
7/8 "seven eighth"
3/10 "three tenth"
or
You say the numerator, followed by the word "over," and then the denominator.
In this format, both the numerator and denominator are expressed as cardinal numbers.
Examples:
1/5: "one over five"
3/4: "three over four"
7/8: "seven over eight"
11/12: "eleven over twelve"
Special Fractions
Some fractions have special names, like
1/2: "a/one half"
1/3 "a/one third"
1/4 "a/one quarter"
3/4 "three quarters"
2/3 "two thirds"
Mixed numbers
For mixed numbers, you say the whole number part followed by "and" and then the fraction part. For example:
2 1/2: "two and a half"
3 3/4: "three and three quarters"
Plural rule
When the denominator (bottom number) is plural (like "thirds" or "quarters"), it's because the numerator (top number) is greater than one. For example:
2/3: "two thirds" (numerator: 2)
3/4: "three quarters" (Numerator: 3)