A fraction is a part (or parts) of something.
A fraction is written like this:
The numerator shows us how many parts of something we have.
The denominator shows us how many parts there are in total.
To find a fraction of an amount, we have to work out how much that part is worth within the whole.
There are different ways to do this:
Visual grouping
Let's look at how to find 1/4 of 20:
1. Look at the denominator (4). It tells you how many groups you need to share the amount (20) into equally.
2. Draw four circles to represent the groups. Share the amount (20) into them equally by drawing dots, crosses, etc.
3. Look at the numerator (1). It tells you how many of the groups you need to look at.
4. There are 5 dots in one group.
So, 1/4 of 20 = 5
Using multiplication and division
Let's look at how to find 3/4 of 20:
1. Divide the amount (20) by the denominator (4).
2. Multiply this answer by the numerator (3).
So, 3/4 of 20 = 15
This method can also be used to find out a fraction of a set of objects, or a fraction of a shape:
Finding fractions of amounts is first mentioned in Year 2 of the Mathematics Programme of Study in the National Curriculum:
This objective is covered in our Year 2 scheme, 'Can we find fractions of numbers?'
Finding fractions of amounts is specifically mentioned in Years 3 and 4 of the Mathematics Programme of Study in the National Curriculum:
This objective is covered in our Year 3 scheme, 'Finding Fractions'.
This objective is covered in our Year 4 scheme, 'Proportion Problems'.
