Year 2 - Maths
Equal or unequal parts
Fractions: identify equal parts and be familiar with halves, thirds and quarters
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will identify whether something has or has not been split into equal parts. They will name fractions one-half one-quarter and one-third in relation to a fraction of a length shape or set of objects.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how a whole can be divided into parts and recognise equal and unequal parts.
Key Notes
- Wholes can be divided into parts. The whole could be an object, a shape or a set of objects.
- When all the parts are the same size, they are equal parts.
- When all the parts are not the same size, they are unequal parts.
- Equal parts of the same shape may look different.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Whole: All the parts / all of a group or number.
- Part: A piece or section of the whole.
- Equal: We say that two or more things are equal if they have the same quantity or value.
- Unequal: We say that two or more things are unequal if they do not have the same quantity or value.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may think that when a shape has been split straight through the middle that the parts are equal.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Wholes can be divided into parts. The whole could be an object, a shape or a set of objects. When all the parts are the same size, they are equal parts.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Whole'
All the parts / all of a group or number. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may think that when a shape has been split straight through the middle that the parts are equal. Correction: Encourage children to compare the sizes of each part by lining them up next to each other. With paper shapes, children can cut out the parts and lay them on top of each other to see if the parts are equal or unequal in size.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Find one-half of a number Study Guide
- Find one-third or one-quarter of a number Study Guide
- Find three-quarters of an object, shape, set of objects or quantity Study Guide
- Read, write and understand fraction notation Study Guide
- Recognise and name the fraction 'one half' Study Guide
- Recognise and name the fraction 'one quarter' Study Guide
- Recognise and name the fraction 'one-third' Study Guide
- Recognise the equivalence of 2/4 and 1/2 Study Guide
- Relate finding half of a number to halving and doubling Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 2 Maths guide library.