Fractions: Equal Parts

A fraction is a way of showing part of a whole. If you cut a pizza into equal pieces, each piece is a fraction of the whole pizza.

We write a fraction with two numbers. The bottom number (the denominator) tells how many equal parts in total. The top number (the numerator) tells how many parts we have. So in 3/4, the 4 means the whole is split into 4 parts, and the 3 means we have 3 of them.

To find a fraction of an amount, divide by the denominator. To find 1/4 of 12, divide 12 by 4: 12 ÷ 4 = 3. To find 3/4 of 12, first find one quarter (3), then multiply by 3: 3 × 3 = 9. So 3/4 of 12 is 9.

Equivalent fractions are made by multiplying or dividing the top and bottom by the same number. 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8, because you double both numbers each time. They all show exactly the same amount of pizza.

You can compare fractions with the same denominator by looking at the top number. 3/5 is bigger than 2/5 because 3 parts is more than 2 parts. And 1/2 is bigger than 1/4, because halves are bigger pieces than quarters.