Fractions of Numbers (1)

In this diagram, 1 square is shaded red out of 4 squares altogether.

 

       

   
      

1/4 (one quarter) of 4 squares is 1 square

 

 

In this diagram, 2 squares are shaded red out of 6 squares altogether.

 

               
 

You know that 6 ÷ 3 = 2

1/3 (one third) of the 6 squares are shaded red

 

 

Example 1

Here are 6 stars.

 

          

 

Anna colours ½ of them red.

How many does she colour red?

 

Answer

6 ÷ 2 = 3

She colours 3 of them red.

 

          

½ (one half) of the stars are shaded red.

½ of 6 is 3

 

 

Example 2

Here are 6 triangles.

 

          

 

Anna colours 1/3 of them red.

How many does she colour red?

 

Answer

6 ÷ 3 = 2

She colours 2 of them red.

 

          

 

1/3 (one third) of the triangles are shaded red.

1/3 of 6 is 2