Year 2 - Maths
Read, write and understand fraction notation
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 read and write the fraction notation 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 and relate this to fractions of objects, shapes and sets.
Key Notes
- Fractions are written using numerals to show how many equal parts the whole has been divided into and how many we have.
- 1/2 The whole has been divided into 2 equal parts and 1 part has been shaded.
- 1/3 The whole has been divided into 3 equal parts and 1 part has been shaded.
- 1/4 The whole has been divided into 4 equal parts and 1 part has been shaded.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Fraction: A fraction shows us how many equal parts the whole is divided into and how many of those parts we have.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may write fraction notation with the numerator and denominator the wrong way round.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Fractions are written using numerals to show how many equal parts the whole has been divided into and how many we have. 1/2 The whole has been divided into 2 equal parts and 1 part has been shaded.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Fraction'
A fraction shows us how many equal parts the whole is divided into and how many of those parts we have. 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 write fraction notation with the numerator and denominator the wrong way round. Correction: Use the stem sentence shown in this lesson each time you write a fraction, and give children opportunities to explain what each numeral in the fraction represents.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Equal or unequal parts Study Guide
- 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
- 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.