Understanding fractions

Write simple fractions (e.g. 1/2 of 6 = 3) and recognise the equivalence of 2/4 and 1/2

ages 6 to 78 practice questionsvideo included

What a learner can do afterwards

Write 1/2 of 10 = 5
Explain that 2/4 is the same as 1/2 using a diagram
Calculate simple unit fractions of quantities and write the result

The lesson

You already know how to find a fraction of a group, like taking half of some toys. Now you will write that as a math sentence: 1/2 of 6 = 3.

Six apples. Half of them, 3 apples, are marked. That is why 1/2 of 6 = 3.

Try it together

Leo has 8 conkers and wants half of them. He splits them into two equal groups: 4 and 4. So he writes 1/2 of 8 = 4.

Tap to shade 2 of the 4 parts.

This bar has 4 equal parts, and 2 are shaded. That is 2/4. If you cut the same bar into just 2 equal parts and shade 1, you shade the exact same amount. That is why 2/4 and 1/2 are the same.

Good to know

Check two things: how many parts the whole is cut into, and how many parts are shaded. 2/4 and 1/2 can look different but cover the same amount.

Write a fraction of a group as a number sentence, like 1/2 of 6 = 3, and remember that 2/4 is just another way to show 1/2.

Watch it

Where it sits

Learn first

Reading +, −, and = symbols Fractions of amounts Fraction Notation

This opens up

Equivalent fractions

Where this leads

Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.

Baker Chef Dancer Music Producer Musician

Then practise

8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.