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