Understanding Fractions

Fractions are PARTS of a WHOLE. The WHOLE is always divided into EQUAL parts.

One part is colored; 1 Two parts are colored; 2

two equal parts; two equal parts; =1
one half. 2 two halves OR one whole. 2

One part is colored; 1 Two parts are colored; 2

four equal parts; 4 five equal parts, 5
one fourth. two fifths.

Three colored parts; 3

Can you tell what
seven equal parts; 7 fraction this is?
three sevenths.

The number ABOVE the line tells HOW MANY PARTS are colored. It
enumerates or counts the colored parts.

3 NUMERATOR The number BELOW the line tells WHAT KIND OF PARTS the
whole is divided into. It denominates or names the parts.
8 DENOMINATOR
We use ordinal numbers to name the fractional parts.
"three eighths"

1. Color parts to illustrate the fraction.

f.
a. b. c. d. e.
7 6 4 4 2 4
8 10 6 5 4 7

l.
g. h. i. j. k.

2 11 5 1 9 2
6 12 9 5 10 7

Sample worksheet from 6

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2. Write the fractions, and read them aloud.

a. b. c. d.

e. f. g. h.

i. j. k. l.

How to draw pie models

Halves: split the circle Thirds: draw lines at 12 o'clock, Fourths: First draw halves, then
with a straight line. 4 o'clock, and 8 o'clock. split those like a cross pattern.

Fifths: Draw as a man Sixths: First draw Eighths: First draw fourths,
doing jumping jacks. thirds, then split those then split those.

3. Draw the pie models and color the parts to illustrate the fractions.

2 2 1 6
a. b. c. d.
3 5 6 8

4 3 1 4
e. f. g. h.
5 8 3 4

Sample worksheet from 7

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