A fraction of a number just means sharing that number into equal parts. To find a fraction of an amount, you divide by the bottom number, then multiply by the top number.
Why this matters: Every fair share uses this skill. Splitting a bag of dates between brothers, giving a share of your pocket money as sadaqah, or halving a recipe all mean finding a fraction of a quantity.
Step 1: the bottom number tells you how many parts
To find 1/4 of 20, share 20 into 4 equal parts. 20 ÷ 4 = 5. So 1/4 of 20 is 5.
| Fraction | What to do | 1/2 of 12 |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | divide by 2 | 12 ÷ 2 = 6 |
| 1/3 | divide by 3 | 12 ÷ 3 = 4 |
| 1/4 | divide by 4 | 12 ÷ 4 = 3 |
Step 2: the top number tells you how many parts to take
To find 3/4 of 20, first find 1/4, then take 3 of those parts.
3/4 of 20
Step 1: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 (that is one quarter)
Step 2: 5 × 3 = 15
So 3/4 of 20 = 15.
Step 1: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 (that is one quarter)
Step 2: 5 × 3 = 15
So 3/4 of 20 = 15.
Put these steps in order to find 3/4 of 20:
- Divide by the bottom number: 20 ÷ 4 = 5
- Multiply by the top number: 5 × 3 = 15
- Write the answer: 3/4 of 20 = 15
A fair share
If Mum shares 12 grapes fairly between 3 children, each child gets 1/3, which is 12 ÷ 3 = 4 grapes. Fair shares are always equal shares.