What does the numerator in a fraction indicate?

The numerator in a fraction represents the quantity of parts used or the number of selected parts from a whole. In the context of a fraction, this means that if you have a fraction like 3/4, the numerator (3) tells you that you are taking 3 parts from a total that is divided into 4 equal parts. Essentially, it shows how many of the available parts are being considered or counted in the overall context of the whole.

In contrast, the denominator, which is the number below the line, indicates the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into. Understanding this distinction is crucial for interpreting fractions correctly and applying them in mathematical problems effectively.