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      Identify parts and wholes in different contexts

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify parts and wholes in different contexts.

      Key learning points

      1. The whole has been divided into __ equal parts.
      2. Each equal part is one-__ of the whole.
      3. Fractions can be represented as part of a shape or a set.

      Keywords

      • Part - The whole is all of a group or number.

      • Whole - A part is a section of the whole.

      • Equal - Have the same quantity or value.

      • Unequal - Do not have the same quantity or value.

      • Set - A collection of items.

      Common misconception

      Children will often think that the total number within a set is always the denominator as shown in the plates and cupcakes example on the slides.

      Put a set of 12 counters (or any countable objects) onto a mini-whiteboard. Children should practise dividing the set into equal groups, drawing rings around them. Repeat, 'The set has been divided into _ equal groups so the denominator is _'.

      Teacher tip

      Plenty of practical activity is useful here and will strengthen understanding. Get the children to explore these concepts using counters. Head to the playground and get them to create equal groups with themselves and then describe each part as a fraction.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the name of the indicated part of the fraction?

      An image in a quiz
      Division bar
      Correct answer: Denominator
      Numerator

      Q2.
      What does the line in the middle of this fraction notation tell us?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: The whole has been divided into equal parts.
      The whole has been divided into unequal parts.

      Q3.
      Complete the sentence: The whole has been divided into 8 equal parts and 1 is shaded. This is one-

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: eighth

      Q4.
      Tick the correct fraction notation that shows one-quarter.

      $$ \frac{1}{3} $$
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{1}{4} $$
      $$ \frac{4}{4} $$
      $$ \frac{1}{5} $$

      Q5.
      Tick the correct fraction notation that shows one-eighth

      Correct answer: $$ \frac{1}{8} $$
      $$ \frac{1}{7} $$
      $$ \frac{8}{8} $$
      $$ \frac{8}{1} $$

      Q6.
      Match the fraction name to the fraction notation.

      Correct Answer:$$ \frac{1}{4} $$,one-quarter
      Correct Answer:$$ \frac{1}{6} $$,one-sixth
      Correct Answer:$$ \frac{1}{7} $$,one-seventh
      Correct Answer:$$ \frac{1}{10} $$,one-tenth

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the meaning of equals?

      Makes
      Correct answer: Has the same amount or value.
      Has a different amount or value.

      Q2.
      Which of these sets has been separated so that each part is one-third?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: A
      B

      Q3.
      Look at the picture of the cupcakes on plates. What fraction of the whole is one plate of cupcakes?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{1}{4} $$ one-quarter
      $$ \frac{1}{6} $$ one-third
      $$ \frac{1}{7} $$ one-seventh
      $$ \frac{1}{12} $$ one-twelfth

      Q4.
      Look at the picture of counters. They have been circled to show groups. What fraction of the whole is one group of counters?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ \frac{1}{4} $$ one-quarter
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{1}{6} $$ one-third
      $$ \frac{1}{7} $$ one-eighth
      $$ \frac{1}{12} $$ one-twelfth

      Q5.
      What fraction of the whole is one of the groups of 3 children?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{1}{2} $$ one-half
      $$ \frac{1}{6} $$ one-sixth
      $$ \frac{1}{3} $$ one-third
      $$ \frac{1}{12} $$ one-twelfth

      Q6.
      What fraction is shown by the shaded part?

      An image in a quiz
      $$ \frac{1}{2} $$ one-half
      $$ \frac{1}{3} $$ one-third
      Correct answer: $$ \frac{1}{4} $$ one-quarter
      $$ \frac{1}{5} $$ one-fifth

      To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Identify parts and wholes in different contexts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...