Introduction to Fractions
Introduction to Fractions is the Year 3 topic covering fractions as numbers representing equal parts of a whole or a set of objects, where the denominator shows how many equal parts the whole is split into and the numerator shows how many are counted.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Understand that a fraction shows equal parts of a whole: the denominator is how many equal parts the whole is split into, and the numerator is how many of those parts you have.
- To find a fraction of a set of objects, divide the total by the denominator to find the value of one part, then multiply by the numerator.
- To compare unit fractions, remember that the larger the denominator, the smaller each part is, so 1/8 is smaller than 1/4.
- To compare fractions with the same denominator, compare the numerators directly: the fraction with the bigger numerator is bigger.
- To add or subtract fractions with the same denominator, add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
- Use a bar model or a diagram split into equal parts to check that an answer makes sense.
Worked example
A pizza is cut into 8 equal slices. Priya eats 3 slices. What fraction of the pizza is left?
- The whole pizza is divided into 8 equal parts, so the denominator is 8.
- Priya has eaten 3 of the 8 parts, so she has eaten 3/8 of the pizza.
- The fraction left is the whole (8/8) minus the fraction eaten: 8/8 - 3/8.
- 8/8 - 3/8 = 5/8, so 5/8 of the pizza is left.
Practice questions
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Q1What fraction is shaded if 1 out of 4 equal parts is coloured in?Show answer
Answer: 1/4
Q2Find 1/3 of 12.Show answer
Answer: 4 (12 divided by 3)
Q3Find 2/5 of 20.Show answer
Answer: 8 (20 divided by 5 = 4, then 4 x 2 = 8)
Q4Which is bigger, 1/3 or 1/6?Show answer
Answer: 1/3, because dividing a whole into fewer equal parts makes each part bigger
Q5Work out 2/7 + 3/7.Show answer
Answer: 5/7
Q6Work out 5/6 - 2/6.Show answer
Answer: 3/6, which can also be written as 1/2
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a KS2 Maths exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
A ribbon is cut into 10 equal pieces. 4 pieces are used to wrap a gift. What fraction of the ribbon is left?
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There are 24 children in a class. 3/8 of the children walk to school. How many children walk to school?
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Which is greater, 3/4 or 2/4? Explain your answer using the numerators.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the introduction to fractions worksheet pack - 6 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
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