You know what makes a shape. Now cut shapes into equal parts. Equal parts are all the same size, like a fair share.
Key idea
2 equal parts are halves. 4 equal parts are fourths, also called quarters. The more equal parts, the smaller each part.
Why it works
Sharing the same whole among more people gives each person less. So one fourth is smaller than one half.
Worked example: Fourths
A pizza is cut into 4 equal parts. What is one part called? Is it bigger or smaller than one half?
- 4 equal parts are fourths.
- One part is one fourth, or one quarter.
- It is smaller than one half.
Answer: One fourth; smaller
Common mistake
Thinking more parts means bigger parts, so a fourth is bigger than a half. Share a cracker with 1 friend, then with 3 friends. Which piece is bigger?
For grown-ups: Cut sandwiches or paper into halves and fourths together. Ask, “Are the parts the same size?”