🍕 Fractions
Class 4 Maths · Unit 5 of 12 · about 120 minutes
This unit introduces fractions as equal parts of a whole and of a collection. Children learn to read and write fractions, understand numerator and denominator, recognise equivalent fractions with pictures, compare like fractions, and find halves and quarters of amounts. The focus is on concrete and pictorial understanding before moving to abstract symbols.
What your child will learn
- Students will be able to identify and write the fraction for a shaded part of a shape divided into equal parts.
- Students will be able to explain the meaning of numerator and denominator in a fraction.
- Students will be able to find a fraction of a collection of objects (e.g., 1/2 of 12, 1/4 of 8).
- Students will be able to identify equivalent fractions using pictures (e.g., 1/2 = 2/4).
- Students will be able to compare two like fractions (same denominator) using >, <, or =.
Lessons in this unit
- Equal parts of a whole: Understand that a fraction is a part of a whole that is divided into equal parts. Identify halves and quarters in shapes.
- Numerator and denominator: Learn the terms numerator and denominator and use them to read and write fractions.
- Fraction of a collection: Find fractions of a collection of objects, such as 1/2 of 12, 1/4 of 8, using grouping.
- Equivalent fractions with pictures: Recognise that different fractions can represent the same amount, such as 1/2 = 2/4, using pictures.
- Compare like fractions: Compare fractions with the same denominator using pictures and symbols >, <, =.
Key words
- fraction
- A part of a whole or a part of a group, written like 1/2.
- numerator
- The top number of a fraction; it tells how many parts we are talking about.
- denominator
- The bottom number of a fraction; it tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
- equivalent fractions
- Different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
- like fractions
- Fractions with the same denominator, like 2/5 and 3/5.
- half
- One of two equal parts of a whole.
- quarter
- One of four equal parts of a whole.
Help your child at home
What to watch for
- Any part of a shape is a fraction, even if parts are not equal.
- Help: A fraction must have equal parts. Show a shape with unequal parts and ask if it's fair.
- The numerator is the bottom number.
- Help: Remember: numerator is on top, denominator is down below.
- 1/2 of 12 is 6 because 12 divided by 2 is 6, but they might think 1/2 of 12 is 12 divided by 1/2.
- Help: To find 1/2 of a number, divide the number into 2 equal groups. Count one group.
- Fractions with different numerators and denominators cannot be equal.
- Help: Show with pictures that 1/2 and 2/4 cover the same amount.
Try this at home
- Fold a paper strip into 2 equal parts, shade one part, write 1/2
- Given 3/4, identify numerator and denominator
- 12 toffees: find 1/2 by making 2 equal groups of 6 and counting one group
- Compare 1/2 and 2/4 using fraction strips
Quick questions to ask aloud
- Which shape shows one half shaded? (A circle divided into 2 equal parts, 1 shaded / A rectangle divided into 3 equal parts, 1 shaded / A square divided into 4 equal parts, 1 shaded)
Show answer
A circle divided into 2 equal parts, 1 shaded. One half means the whole is divided into 2 equal parts and 1 part is shaded. - In the fraction 5/8, what is the numerator? (5 / 8 / 5/8)
Show answer
The numerator is the top number. In 5/8, the top number is 5. - Riya has 12 toffees. She gives 1/2 of them to her friend. How many toffees does she give?
Show answer
1/2 of 12 means divide 12 into 2 equal groups. 12 ÷ 2 = 6. So she gives 6 toffees.
Frequently asked questions
What will my child learn in "Fractions" (Class 4 Maths)?
Your child will be able to: identify and write the fraction for a shaded part of a shape divided into equal parts.; explain the meaning of numerator and denominator in a fraction.; find a fraction of a collection of objects (e.g., 1/2 of 12, 1/4 of 8).; identify equivalent fractions using pictures (e.g., 1/2 = 2/4).; compare two like fractions (same denominator) using >, <, or =..
How does MangoMindz teach "Fractions"?
In 5 short parts (Equal parts of a whole, Numerator and denominator, Fraction of a collection, Equivalent fractions with pictures, Compare like fractions). Each part has a picture-based lesson read aloud by Mango Teacher, a quick check, and a quiz built from common mistakes children make, with Mango, a study buddy, for questions.
How long does "Fractions" take?
About 120 minutes in total, spread over 5 parts of 15–25 minutes each.
How can I help my child with "Fractions" at home?
Work through a small example together, such as: Fold a paper strip into 2 equal parts, shade one part, write 1/2; Given 3/4, identify numerator and denominator. Then ask a quick question aloud: Which shape shows one half shaded? (A circle divided into 2 equal parts, 1 shaded / A rectangle divided into 3 equal parts, 1 shaded / A square divided into 4 equal parts, 1 shaded)
What mistakes do children often make in "Fractions"?
Any part of a shape is a fraction, even if parts are not equal. Fix: A fraction must have equal parts. Show a shape with unequal parts and ask if it's fair. The numerator is the bottom number. Fix: Remember: numerator is on top, denominator is down below. 1/2 of 12 is 6 because 12 divided by 2 is 6, but they might think 1/2 of 12 is 12 divided by 1/2. Fix: To find 1/2 of a number, divide the number into 2 equal groups. Count one group.
Is "Fractions" free on MangoMindz?
Yes. Every lesson part and quiz in "Fractions" is free on MangoMindz, with no ads.