Recognise and Find Fractions of a Length

In this activity, we will be looking at finding 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, or 1/3 of a length. 

 

Let's recap on what fractions mean. 

 

   

Below, we have a picture to show different fractions of lengths. 

 

The red line is the full length line. 

 

The green line is 1/4 of the red line.

This means that if the red line was split into four equal groups,1/4 is one of the groups. 

 

The blue line is 2/4 of the red line.

This means that if the red line was split into four equal groups, 2/4 is two of the groups.

Can you see that this is the same as 1/2?

2/4 is the same size as 1/2. 

 

The pink line is 3/4 of the red line.

This means if the red line was split into four equal groups, 3/4 is three equal groups. 

 

 

We don't need to read the measurements on the ruler, we can work it out just by looking and making a sensible estimate. 

 

If you place your finger halfway along the red line, you will see that it is the same length as 2/4. 

We can also see that 3/4 is bigger than one half and the 1/4 line is smaller. 

 

Let's have a look at what a third means. 

The pink line is 1/3 of the red line. This means that if the red line was split into three equal groups, 1/3 is one of the equal groups. 

  

If you place your finger halfway along the red line, you will see that 1/3 is smaller than one half. 

 

 

Don't worry if this is making your head ache! It will all become much clearer as you try the questions.

 

Let's get started!