Fractions as equal parts

What they’re learning

Your child is learning that fractions describe equal parts of a whole or a set. The denominator tells how many equal parts make the whole; the numerator tells how many of those parts are being considered.

Explain it to my child

In 3/4, the 4 means the whole is split into 4 equal pieces. The 3 means we are talking about 3 of those pieces.

Try it together

Use toast, paper, fruit, or a tortilla. Divide one item into equal halves, fourths, or thirds. Deliberately make unequal pieces once and ask why those pieces do not represent proper equal fractions of the whole.

Practice

1. What fraction is 1 part out of 4 equal parts?
2. In 3/5, what does the 5 tell us?
3. Which is larger: 1/2 or 1/4 of the same-sized whole?
4. Shade 2/3 of a rectangle divided into 3 equal parts.
5. A set has 8 counters and 4 are red. What fraction are red?

Check understanding

• Can your child explain why the parts must be equal?
• Can they identify numerator and denominator in context?