Fractions · lesson 1 of 24 · free

Halves, quarters and thirds — Fractions for kids

Cut a roti into 2 equal pieces and each piece is a half. Cut it into 3 equal pieces and each is a third; 4 equal pieces make quarters. The pieces must be equal — otherwise they are not halves or quarters at all.

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The method

Equal pieces — “a fraction only works when every piece is the same size”

  1. Count the equal pieces in the whole: that is the bottom number (2 for halves, 3 for thirds, 4 for quarters).
  2. Count the pieces you take: that is the top number.
  3. Half of a number: divide by 2. A third: divide by 3. A quarter: divide by 4.

Use it for: Sharing rotis, pizzas and chocolate fairly, telling time (quarter past, half past), and every fraction lesson that follows.

Worked example: A roti is cut into 4 equal pieces. Diya eats 3 pieces. What fraction of the roti does Diya eat? → 3/4

  1. The roti is cut into 4 equal pieces, so the bottom number (denominator) is 4.
  2. 3 pieces are eaten, so the top number (numerator) is 3.

Check: 3 quarters eaten + 1 quarter left = 4 quarters, the whole roti ✓

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✏️ Practice

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🖨️ Halves, Quarters and Thirds Worksheet

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