Why do we need fractions?

Have you ever used a measuring cup while helping your parents make dinner? Have you ever had to share a candy bar or a piece of cake with your brother or sister? Can fractions be used to describe a part?

By Anita Blakney

Overview  Fractions are a part of a whole or one.  Identify and define parts of a fraction.  Identify and name fractions.

Each whole figure represents ONE whole.

½ This picture represents the fraction Denominator Tells how many equal parts Numerator Tells how many parts are shaded

Fractions are equal parts of a whole. Notice how all of the circles are the same size even though they are split into equal parts How many parts are in each whole shape? The fractions below describes the entire figure and it is equal to 1 (one whole).

How many eggs are in the picture? How many are yellow? What fraction can we write to show how many eggs are yellow?

Name the fraction Extra Practice:

Sharing is another way that we use fractions. My family is having pizza tonight. All of the kids want cheese pizza and we have six kids in all. How much pizza will we all get?

Summary Questions