Fractions: Halves and Quarters

A fraction is a part of a whole.

What is a Fraction?

A fraction tells us how many parts of a whole we have. The top number (numerator) is how many parts we have. The bottom number (denominator) is how many equal parts in total.

Halves (1/2)

A half means 2 equal parts. We have 1 of those 2 parts. Example: Cut a pizza into 2 equal slices. Each slice is 1/2.

Quarters (1/4)

A quarter means 4 equal parts. We have 1 of those 4 parts. Example: Cut a pizza into 4 equal slices. Each slice is 1/4.

Finding Fractions of Amounts

• Half of 10: 10 / 2 = 5
• Quarter of 12: 12 / 4 = 3
• Three quarters of 12: 12 / 4 = 3, then 3 x 3 = 9

Practice Problems

1. 1/2 of 8 = ___
2. 1/4 of 16 = ___
3. 1/2 of 20 = ___
4. 3/4 of 8 = ___
5. 1/4 of 24 = ___

Tips for Parents

• Use food to demonstrate (pizza, cake, chocolate)
• Draw shapes and shade parts
• Make sure parts are EQUAL — this is the key concept