The top number in a fraction, showing how many parts are being considered. It is compared to the denominator, the bottom number.
From Late Latin “numerator,” meaning “counter,” from “numerare” (to count), from “numerus” (number). Mathematicians adopted it as a technical term for fractions.
A quick memory trick: “numeraTOR is on TOP; denominaTOR is on the bOTTOM” (same ending sound, different position). Both words are just fancy ways of saying “the counted parts” over “the named total.”
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