In math, the top part of a fraction is called the numerator. If the line part of the fraction is flat, the numerator is on top. If the line part of the fraction is at a slant, the numerator is on the left. The lower part is called the denominator of the fraction. For example:

  • In 3⁄4 the numerator is "3".
  • In 23+76⁄100 the numerator is "76".
  • In (15+6)⁄(35+7) the numerator is "(15+6)".
  • In (a + b) / 6c, the numerator is "(a + b)".

The numerator can be any real number, including zero. A proper fraction is where the top number is smaller than the bottom number. If the numerator is larger than the denominator, then it is called an improper fraction.