Class 3 — Mathematics
Fractions: Understanding Parts of a Whole
Class 3
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify a whole object or collection.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to understand that a fraction represents a part of a whole.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify and represent 'half' (1/2) of a whole.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify and represent 'quarter' (1/4) of a whole.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to identify and represent 'third' (1/3) of a whole.
- ✓By the end of this lesson students will be able to write simple fractions like 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4.
Key concepts
When we divide a whole thing (like a cake, an apple, or a group of objects) into equal parts, each part is called a fraction of the whole. Fractions help us talk about parts of something.
When a whole object or collection is divided into two equal parts, each part is called a 'half'. We write 'half' as 1/2. For example, if you cut a roti into two equal pieces, each piece is one-half of the roti.
When a whole object or collection is divided into four equal parts, each part is called a 'quarter'. We write 'quarter' as 1/4. For example, if you cut a cake into four equal slices, each slice is one-quarter of the cake.
When a whole object or collection is divided into three equal parts, each part is called a 'third'. We write 'third' as 1/3. For example, if three friends share a chocolate bar equally, each friend gets one-third of the chocolate bar.
In a fraction like 1/2, the number above the line (1) is called the 'numerator'. It tells us how many parts we are considering or taking. The number below the line (2) is called the 'denominator'. It tells us the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.
Key facts to remember
- 1A fraction represents a part of a whole.
- 2For fractions, the whole must always be divided into equal parts.
- 31/2 is read as 'one-half'.
- 41/3 is read as 'one-third'.
- 51/4 is read as 'one-quarter'.
- 6The numerator (top number) tells us how many parts are considered.
- 7The denominator (bottom number) tells us the total number of equal parts.
Worked examples
Example 1
Look at the picture. A chocolate bar is divided into 2 equal parts. One part is eaten. What fraction of the chocolate bar is eaten?
Answer
1/2
This fraction is read as 'one-half'.
Example 2
A pizza is cut into 4 equal slices. If you eat 1 slice, what fraction of the pizza did you eat?
Answer
1/4
This fraction is read as 'one-quarter'.
Example 3
Three friends share a cake equally. What fraction of the cake does each friend get?
Answer
1/3
This fraction is read as 'one-third'.
Common mistakes
- ✗Not ensuring that the parts are equal when forming a fraction. All parts must be equal.
- ✗Confusing the numerator and the denominator, for example, writing 2/1 instead of 1/2.
- ✗Thinking that a fraction can only be shown with shapes, forgetting that it can also be parts of a collection (e.g., 1 out of 3 apples).
Exam tips
- ★Always read the question carefully to understand what the 'whole' is and what 'part' you need to find.
- ★When drawing or identifying fractions, always check that all parts are of the same size (equal).
- ★Clearly identify the total number of equal parts (denominator) and the number of parts being considered (numerator) before writing the fraction.
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