Equal parts of a whole. Read a little, then play. Clear all six games!
What it is
A fraction shows equal parts of a whole. The bottom number (the denominator) tells how many equal parts the whole is split into, and the top number (the numerator) tells how many of those parts we take.
Why it works
When a whole is cut into equal parts, one part is a unit fraction like 1/4. Taking three of them gives 3/4, so a fraction just counts equal parts.
Why it matters
Fractions let us share fairly and measure amounts smaller than one, like half a glass of milk.
A few examples
A bar split into 4 equal parts with 3 shaded shows 3/4. One slice of a cake cut into 8 is 1/8.
What it is
To share one whole equally among a number of people, each person gets a unit fraction: 1 divided into N equal parts gives 1/N each.
Why it works
The whole is one, and it is split into N equal pieces, so each piece must be 1/N. N of those pieces make the whole again.
Why it matters
This is how we split a pizza, a chocolate bar or a bill fairly among friends.
A few examples
1 chocolate shared among 5 gives each 1/5. 3 of those parts together make 3/5.
What it is
Different fractions can show the same amount. 1/2, 2/4 and 3/6 all cover half the whole. These are equivalent fractions.
Why it works
If you multiply the top and bottom by the same number, the value does not change, because you are just cutting each part into smaller equal pieces. So 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6.
Why it matters
Spotting equal fractions lets us simplify and compare amounts quickly.
A few examples
1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8. 1/3 = 2/6 = 3/9.
What it is
To build a fraction equal to another, multiply the top and the bottom by the same number.
Why it works
Multiplying top and bottom by the same number keeps the value the same, because it is the same as multiplying by 1. So 1/2 = (1×4)/(2×4) = 4/8.
Why it matters
This lets us rewrite fractions with a chosen bottom number, which we need to add or compare them.
A few examples
1/2 = ?/8 means 1×4 = 4, so 4/8. 2/3 = ?/12 means 2×4 = 8, so 8/12.
What it is
To compare two fractions, make the bottom numbers the same, then the one with the bigger top number is bigger.
Why it works
With the same bottom number the parts are the same size, so more parts means more. To get the same bottom, rewrite each as an equivalent fraction, or cross multiply.
Why it matters
Comparing fractions tells us who has more, which price is cheaper per unit, and which share is larger.
A few examples
2/3 vs 3/4: make both twelfths, 8/12 vs 9/12, so 3/4 is bigger. 1/2 is bigger than 1/3.
What it is
To add or subtract fractions with the same bottom number, keep the bottom the same and add or subtract the top numbers.
Why it works
The parts are already the same size, so you simply count how many parts in total. 2/7 + 3/7 means 2 sevenths and 3 more sevenths, which is 5 sevenths.
Why it matters
This is how we combine measurements and amounts written as fractions.
A few examples
2/7 + 3/7 = 5/7. 5/8 − 2/8 = 3/8.
Have a go on paper first, then tap to see the clear steps.
Q1. A bar is split into 4 equal parts and 3 are shaded. What fraction is shaded?
Q2. One cake is shared equally among 6 children. What fraction does each child get?
Q3. Write a fraction equal to 1/2 with a bottom number of 8.
Q4. Which is bigger, 2/5 or 3/5?
Q5. Work out 2/9 + 4/9.
Q6. Work out 5/6 − 2/6.