Introduction to Fractions: Halves and Fourths

Grade 1 · Math · Study Guide

Learn what fractions are and how to find halves and fourths of shapes and objects.

A fraction is a way to show equal parts of a whole. When we share something fairly, we use fractions.

When something is split into 2 equal parts, each part is called one-half. We write one-half as 1/2. For example, if you cut a sandwich in half, each piece is 1/2 of the sandwich. Both pieces must be the same size — that is what makes them equal parts.

When something is split into 4 equal parts, each part is called one-fourth or one-quarter. We write one-fourth as 1/4. If you cut a pizza into 4 equal slices, each slice is 1/4 of the pizza.

The bottom number in a fraction (called the denominator) tells us how many equal parts the whole is divided into. The top number (called the numerator) tells us how many of those parts we are talking about.

For 1/2: the whole is cut into 2 equal parts, and we have 1 of them. For 1/4: the whole is cut into 4 equal parts, and we have 1 of them.

Remember — the parts must always be equal in size for it to be a true fraction. Half of a circle that is not equal on both sides is not truly a half!

Key terms

fraction
A way to show equal parts of a whole, written as one number over another, like 1/2
one-half (1/2)
One of two equal parts of a whole
one-fourth (1/4)
One of four equal parts of a whole; also called one-quarter
equal parts
Parts of a whole that are all the same size
whole
A complete object before it is divided into parts
denominator
The bottom number in a fraction that tells how many equal parts in all

Flashcards

Fraction
A way to show equal parts of a whole
One-half (1/2)
One of 2 equal parts of a whole
One-fourth (1/4)
One of 4 equal parts of a whole; also called one-quarter
Equal parts
Parts of a whole that are exactly the same size
How many halves make a whole?
2 halves — 1/2 + 1/2 = 1 whole
How many fourths make a whole?
4 fourths — four 1/4 pieces = 1 whole
What does the bottom number of a fraction tell you?
How many equal parts the whole is divided into
Is a sandwich cut unevenly into 2 pieces a half?
No — for halves, both pieces must be equal in size

Questions

  1. A circle is cut into 2 equal parts. What fraction is each part?

    1. 1/4
    2. 2/1
    3. 1/2
    4. 1/3
    Show answer

    Answer: 1/2

    When a circle is cut into 2 equal parts, each part is 1 out of 2, which is 1/2 (one-half).

  2. If a rectangle is cut into 4 equal parts, each part is 1/4 of the rectangle.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    When a rectangle is split into 4 equal parts, each part is 1/4 (one-fourth) of the whole.

  3. A pizza cut into 4 equal slices — each slice is one-___ of the pizza.

    Show answer

    Answer: fourth

    When a pizza is cut into 4 equal slices, each slice is one-fourth (1/4) of the whole pizza.

  4. How many equal parts make up one whole when using halves?

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4
    Show answer

    Answer: 2

    Halves means 2 equal parts. Two halves together make one whole.

  5. Which fraction means one out of four equal parts?

    1. 4/1
    2. 2/4
    3. 1/2
    4. 1/4
    Show answer

    Answer: 1/4

    1/4 means 1 out of 4 equal parts. The 1 is on top (numerator) and 4 is on the bottom (denominator).

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