Practise Finding the Number of Halves in Mixed Numbers

In this activity, we will learn how to count the number of halves.

An apple can be divided into two halves, like this:

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Example

Find how many halves there are in

Answer

Each whole apple gives two halves.

There are 5 half apples in total.

The easiest way to work this out is to multiply the big whole number (2 in this case) by the denominator (the number at the bottom of the fraction - in this case 2)

2 x 2 = 4

Then add the numerator (the number at the top of the fraction - in this case 1)

4 + 1 = 5

Here's another one to try:

How many halves are there in 4 ½ ?

Multiply the whole number (4 ) by the denominator (2): 4 x 2 = 8

Add the numerator (1): 8 + 1 = 9

So there are 9 halves.

Let's try some questions now.