Thirds and fractions of amounts

For grown-ups: this lesson in words

Year 2 · Maths

Thirds and fractions of amounts: I can find thirds and quarters of shapes and amounts.

1. Here is a circle cut into 3 equal parts.

   1 part is shaded. That is one third.

   We write one third as 1/3.

   Picture: A circle cut into 3 equal parts, with 1 part shaded. It is labelled 1/3.

2. Your turn: Which circle shows 1/3?

   Choose one:

   • 2 equal parts, 1 shaded: A circle cut into 2 equal parts, with 1 part shaded.
   • 4 equal parts, 1 shaded: A circle cut into 4 equal parts, with 1 part shaded.
   • 3 equal parts, 1 shaded: A circle cut into 3 equal parts, with 1 part shaded.

   Answer

   The answer: 3 equal parts, 1 shaded

   This circle has 3 equal parts, 1 shaded: 1/3.

   Picture: A circle cut into 3 equal parts, with 1 part shaded. It is labelled 1/3.

3. Here are 6 strawberries.

   Share them onto 3 plates, one at a time.

   Each plate is 1/3. 1/3 of 6 = 2

   Picture: 6 strawberries. They are shared equally onto three plates, 2 on each plate. 2 each.

Words to know

equal parts:

Parts that are all the same size.

third:

One of 3 equal parts.

quarter:

One of 4 equal parts.

three quarters:

3 of 4 equal parts.

half:

One of 2 equal parts.

share:

Give out fairly, one at a time.