Fractions

A fraction is a part of a unit, written with two figures, with a line between them, thus—¼, ½, ¾, &c. The upper figure is called the numerator, the lower one the denominator. Some fractions are cast in one piece, and the following are those frequently used:—

¼   ½   ¾   ⅓   ⅔   ⅛   ⅜   ⅝   ⅞

Fractions are also cast in two pieces, called split fractions, by means of which the denominators may be extended to any amount. The separatrix, or rule between the figures, was formerly joined to the foot of the first, but is now attached to the head of the denominators.