Fractions represent equal parts of a whole. A fraction tells how many parts of a shape, object, or set are being considered out of the total number of equal parts.
Fractions describe part of a whole, so all parts must be equal in size for the fraction to be accurate.
To identify the fraction of a shape that is shaded, compare the number of shaded parts to the total number of equal parts in the shape.
Simplify fractions when possible. For example, 3/6 is equal to 1/2 because both represent half of the whole.
Every fraction has two parts: a numerator and a denominator. These parts tell different things about the fraction.
The numerator and denominator are separated by a fraction bar, which means “divided by.” For instance, 2/5 means 2 ÷ 5.
When a whole shape and extra parts are shown, you can write the amount as a mixed number—a whole number and a fraction combined.
Mixed numbers are used when you have one or more wholes and a fractional part left over.
When identifying fractions, always look for equal parts and carefully count how many are shaded versus unshaded.
If parts are not equal, the shaded portion cannot be represented correctly as a fraction of the whole.