Halves and Quarters
Learn about halves and quarters by splitting shapes and groups into equal parts!
What Is a Half?
A half means splitting something into 2 equal parts. Each part is 1/2 (one half). The two parts must be the same size!
Half of a Shape
Circle split in half
2 equal parts
Rectangle split in half
2 equal parts
Square split in half
2 equal parts
Half of a Group
We can also find half of a group of objects. Split them into 2 equal groups!
Group 1
Group 2
Half of 6 = 3
What Is a Quarter?
A quarter means splitting something into 4 equal parts. Each part is 1/4 (one quarter). All four parts must be the same size!
Quarter of a Shape
1 quarter shaded
4 equal parts
1 quarter shaded
4 equal parts
3 quarters shaded
4 equal parts
Quarter of a Group
To find a quarter of a group, split the objects into 4 equal groups.
2
2
2
2
Quarter of 8 = 2
Equal vs Unequal Parts
For a fraction to work, the parts must be equal (the same size). If the parts are not equal, it is not a true half or quarter!
Equal parts
This IS a half!
Unequal parts
This is NOT a half!
Key Vocabulary
Half
One of 2 equal parts. Written as 1/2.
Quarter
One of 4 equal parts. Written as 1/4.
Equal Parts
Parts that are all the same size. Fractions only work with equal parts.
Whole
The complete thing before it is split. Two halves make a whole. Four quarters make a whole.
Worked Examples
What fraction of this shape is shaded?
Step 1: Count the total parts: 2 equal parts.
Step 2: Count the shaded parts: 1 part is shaded.
Answer: 1/2 (one half) is shaded.
What is half of 10?
Step 1: Split 10 into 2 equal groups.
Step 2: 10 split into 2 groups = 5 in each group.
Answer: Half of 10 = 5
What is a quarter of 12?
Step 1: Split 12 into 4 equal groups.
Step 2: 12 split into 4 groups = 3 in each group.
Answer: A quarter of 12 = 3
Knowledge Check
Pick the correct answer and press "Check Answer"!
Question 1
What fraction of this shape is shaded?
Question 2
What is half of 8?
Question 3
What is a quarter of 20?
Question 4
Which shape shows equal parts?
Shape A
Shape B
Question 5
How many quarters make a whole?
Key Concepts Summary
- ● A half = 1 of 2 equal parts. A quarter = 1 of 4 equal parts.
- ● The parts must be equal (the same size) for it to be a real fraction.
- ● We can find halves and quarters of shapes and groups of objects.
- ● 2 halves make a whole. 4 quarters make a whole.
- ● A half is bigger than a quarter (splitting into fewer pieces means bigger pieces).