Understand Fractions as Equal Parts

A fraction describes how many equal parts of a whole we are talking about. The whole must be divided into parts that are exactly the same size — if the parts are unequal, the fraction has no meaning.

Parts of a Fraction

• The denominator (bottom number) tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
• The numerator (top number) tells how many of those equal parts are being counted.
• In 3/4: the denominator is 4 (four equal parts), the numerator is 3 (three parts shaded).

Why Equal Parts Matter

• If a pizza is cut into unequal slices, "one slice" does not mean 1/4 even if there are 4 slices.
• Only when all parts are the same size can we use fractions to describe them.
• Equal parts are the foundation of fair sharing.

Common Fractions

• 1/2 — one of two equal parts (a half)
• 1/3 — one of three equal parts (a third)
• 1/4 — one of four equal parts (a quarter)
• 2/3 — two of three equal parts; 3/4 — three of four equal parts