In mathematics, what is a fraction defined as?

A fraction is fundamentally defined as a number that indicates a part of a whole. This means that a fraction expresses a quantity that is not a whole number but rather a portion of a total amount. It typically consists of two numbers: the numerator, which indicates how many parts are being considered, and the denominator, which indicates the total number of equal parts that make up a whole. For example, in the fraction 3/4, 3 signifies that we are considering three parts, while 4 represents the total number of equal parts that constitute the whole.

This definition is foundational for understanding fractions in various mathematical contexts, including operations with fractions, comparisons, and applications in real-life scenarios like measuring and dividing quantities. While fractions can also relate to ratios, comparisons, and statistical concepts, the core definition remains that they represent a part of a whole. Other options do not capture the essence of what a fraction fundamentally conveys.