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Fractions and decimals activate distinct brain regions in meta-analysis of fMRI studiesBrain Regions Differ When Processing Fractions Versus Decimals

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Key Takeaway
Interpret fMRI findings as associative; fractions and decimals show distinct neural patterns despite shared IPS activation.

This meta-analysis synthesizes fMRI studies on the neural correlates of fraction and decimal magnitude processing in children and adults. The primary outcome was brain regions associated with fractions and decimals, with secondary outcomes examining differences in neural representation between the two formats.

Key findings indicate that both fractions and decimals are associated with activation in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and frontal regions. An ALE meta-analysis specifically for fraction processing identified the IPS, middle frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and precuneus. However, multivariate findings suggest that the neural representation of fractions and decimals is dissimilar.

The authors note a limitation: a small number of studies targeting decimal processing. As neuroimaging studies, these findings identify correlations between cognitive tasks and brain activation, not causal links.

Practice relevance: The results identify specific brain regions involved in mathematical cognition and highlight the distinction between fraction and decimal neural representations, which may inform educational approaches.

Researchers looked at how the brain handles different types of numbers. They focused on how people process fractions and decimals using brain imaging. The study found that both types of numbers activate certain areas, including the intrapinal sulcus and frontal regions.

However, the research also suggests that the way the brain represents these two types of numbers is actually quite different from each other. While they share some common pathways, the specific neural patterns for fractions and decimals do not overlap perfectly.

It is important to note that this study shows a link between math tasks and brain activity rather than proving that specific areas cause better math skills. Also, because there were fewer studies available on decimal processing specifically, the results for decimals are less extensive. These findings help scientists understand how our brains organize different types of mathematical information.

What this means for you:
The brain uses distinct neural patterns to process fractions and decimals despite some shared regions.

Common questions

Are there specific parts of the brain used for math?

Yes, the study found that both fractions and decimals are associated with activation in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and frontal regions. These areas are key locations involved in mathematical cognition.

Is processing fractions different from decimals in the brain?

The research suggests that the neural representation of fractions and decimals is dissimilar. While they share some common areas, the specific patterns for each type of number are not the same.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJun 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Mathematics knowledge is crucial for success in our society. Among the various mathematical areas, rational number knowledge is particularly significant for academic achievement. However, rational number knowledge is challenging, and many children and adults struggle with tasks involving fraction and decimal magnitude processing. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies to identify brain regions associated with fractions and decimals. Additionally, we synthesized fraction studies in an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis. A descriptive synthesis of studies showed that fractions and decimals are both associated with activation in the intraparietal sulcus and frontal regions. However, multivariate findings suggest that their neural representation is dissimilar. In addition, the ALE meta-analysis indicated that the IPS, the middle frontal gyrus, the middle temporal gyrus, and the precuneus are associated with fraction processing. These regions have been associated with higher order cognition, including inhibitory control and working memory, and nonsymbolic magnitude processing in previous studies. We discuss current limitations of the field, such as the small number of studies targeting decimal processing, suggesting directions for future studies.
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