Year 2 - Maths
Find one-third or one-quarter of a number
Fractions: identify equal parts and be familiar with halves, thirds and quarters
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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 find one-third or one-quarter of a number.
Key Notes
- To find a third of a number, you divide the whole into 3 equal parts.
- To find a quarter of a number, you divide the whole into 4 equal parts.
- It is helpful to use a bar model to help you find one-third or one-quarter of a number.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Third: 1 of 3 equal parts of a whole.
- Quarter: 1 of 4 equal parts of a whole.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may confuse finding a quarter of a number with finding 4 of the objects, or finding a third of a number with finding 3 of the objects.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
To find a third of a number, you divide the whole into 3 equal parts. To find a quarter of a number, you divide the whole into 4 equal parts.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Third'
1 of 3 equal parts of a whole. 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 confuse finding a quarter of a number with finding 4 of the objects, or finding a third of a number with finding 3 of the objects. Correction: Use the stem sentence 'the whole has been divided into ___ equal parts' and draw a bar model to represent this before children attempt to find a quarter or a third of a number.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Equal or unequal parts Study Guide
- Find one-half 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.