Split a shape into parts that cover the same amount. Each part is one of them.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Name the part
A shape split into 6 equal parts has parts worth 1/6 each.
The parts need not match in shape
As in Grade 2, equal parts have to cover the same area, not look the same.
Each equal part is a unit fraction
Divide a shape into 6 equal parts and each part is 1/6 of the whole shape's area. This connects the fractions chapter to the area chapter: the fraction names how much of the total surface each piece covers.
Unequal parts have no fraction name
If the six pieces are not equal in area, none of them is 1/6 — they are just six pieces. Checking for equal area, not just equal-looking, is the step that gets skipped most often.
Equal area, different shapes
A rectangle can be split into four equal-area pieces that are different shapes — two squares and two rectangles, say. Each is still 1/4. The fraction is about how much area, not about matching outlines.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
The whole is cut into 6 equal shares.
0/6 shaded
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Leo Name a Part
Leo splits a rectangle into 8 equal parts.
- Step 1
He checks all 8 parts cover the same area.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
The Window
Problem 1 of 2
A window is split into 6 equal panes. What fraction is one pane?
as the denominator
Shaded Parts
Problem 2 of 2
A shape is split into 8 equal parts and 3 are shaded. What fraction is shaded?
eighths
Name the Part
1 of 3
A shape split into 4 equal parts. What is one part called?
2 of 3
A shape split into 5 equal parts, 2 shaded. What is the numerator?
3 of 3
Must the equal parts be the same shape?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
A shape split into 7 equal parts. What is the denominator of one part?
Question 2 of 2
What has to be equal about the parts?
What You Learned
- A shape can be split into parts of equal area.
- Each part is a unit fraction of the whole.
- The parts need not be the same shape.