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      Use fraction notation to describe an equal part of the whole

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use fraction notation to describe an equal part of the whole.

      Key learning points

      1. The whole has been divided (division bar).
      2. The whole has been divided into __ equal parts (denominator).
      3. One of the parts has been shaded (numerator).

      Keywords

      • Fraction - A fraction shows us how many equal parts in a whole.

      • Division bar - The division bar is the horizontal line separating the two values in a fraction.

      • Denominator - A denominator is the bottom number in a fraction. It shows how many parts a whole has been divided into.

      • Numerator - A numerator is the top number in a fraction. It shows how many parts we have.

      Common misconception

      Children will often think that the denominator is just how many parts a whole has been divided into and forget that the parts must be equal.

      If some children are struggling with this then get them to spot examples and non-examples drawn quickly on whiteboards. You can also make connections with sharing food with siblings/friends fairly. Some might endure 'one cuts, one chooses' at home.

      Teacher tip

      Get into the habit of writing fraction notation in the order suggested on the slides: division bar, denominator, numerator. This will help children to conceptualise the notation more easily and strengthens their understanding of a fraction being a special relationship between part and whole.

      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.
      Complete the sentence. The whole has been divided into equal parts.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 3, three

      Q2.
      How many equal parts has this whole been divided into?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 4, four

      Q3.
      What time is being shown on this clock?

      An image in a quiz
      Half past 7
      Correct answer: Half past 8
      7 o’clock
      8 o’clock

      Q4.
      What is the whole in this picture?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: A hexagon
      A triangle
      Six triangles
      A line

      Q5.
      Tick the correct statements about this image.

      An image in a quiz
      There are 5 equal parts altogether.
      There are 4 equal parts altogether.
      Correct answer: There are 5 unequal parts altogether.
      There are 4 unequal parts altogether.
      Correct answer: The whole is a rectangle.

      Q6.
      How many equal parts has the whole been split into?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 6, six

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Complete the sentence: The whole has been divided into equal parts. 1 of the parts has been shaded.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 4, four

      Q2.
      Complete the sentence: The whole has been divided into equal parts. 1 of the parts has been shaded.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 8, eight

      Q3.
      What is the name of the indicated part of the fraction?

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

      Q4.
      What is the name the digit 5 in this fraction?

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

      Q5.
      What is the denominator of the fraction represented by this picture?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 6, six

      Q6.
      Which of these pictures show $$ \frac{1}{4} $$?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Use fraction notation to describe an equal part of the whole, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...