What does a fraction look like?
Before we write fractions, let’s build some. A fraction starts with a whole. Then we split the whole into equal parts.
Can you put the pizzas back together?
On a computer, drag a loose piece onto the pizza it belongs to. On a phone, select a piece, then select the pizza it belongs to.
Can you rebuild the chocolate bars?
The whole does not have to be a circle. Match the rectangular pieces to the bars they complete.
Meet some familiar fractions
Let’s stay with a few useful fractions first. Choose one and watch what happens to the whole.
Write what you just made
You already know what the picture means. Now let’s look at how we write it.
Click the top number, the line, or the bottom number to see what each part tells us.
All the parts make one whole
When every part is there, we have one whole.
All the equal parts together make one whole.
Two halves make one orange.
Three thirds make one lemon.
Four quarters make one lime.
Build your own fraction
Now choose the whole, how many equal parts it has, and how many of those parts you want to show.
Range: denominator 1–12. Numerator 0–12, but it cannot be larger than the denominator in this builder.
One quick question at a time
Try five new examples. Your answers feed into your Practice Lab log on this device.
You have learned
A whole can be split into equal parts. You have met halves, thirds and quarters, and you know what numerator and denominator mean.
Next: can one half and two quarters be the same amount?