Number – fractions

Halves and quarters

Find a half or a quarter of a small amount.

A half is one of two equal parts. A quarter is one of four equal parts.

Equal really does mean equal

The parts have to be exactly the same size. Two pieces of different sizes are not halves, however you cut them.

Worked example

What is half of 10?

  1. Split 10 into two equal parts.

    Half means two equal shares, not just any two pieces.

Try it together

Now let us find a quarter of 20.

A quarter means four equal parts, and halving twice is the quickest way there.

    1.Halve it once first. What is half of 20?

    Have a go

    Your turn — what is half of 16?

    Hint: Split it into two equal parts.

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