A fraction shows equal parts of one whole thing.

When we cut something into equal parts, each part is a fraction. The parts must all be the SAME size.

• The parts must be equal
• More parts means smaller pieces

We write a fraction with two numbers, one above the other.

The bottom number tells how many equal parts the whole is cut into. The top number tells how many of those parts we are talking about.

• Bottom number = how many equal parts in all
• Top number = how many parts we mean

What fraction of this bar is shaded?

1. 1.Count the equal parts in the whole bar.There are 4 equal parts, so the bottom number is 4.
2. 2.Count how many parts are shaded.3 parts are shaded, so the top number is 3.
3. 3.Write it as a fraction: $\frac{3}{4}$.We say 'three quarters'.