A fraction is a part of a whole. When we split something into two equal parts, each part is one half ($\tfrac12$). Into four equal parts, each is one quarter ($\tfrac14$).
The parts must be equal. Two halves make one whole; four quarters make one whole.
Remember
- 2 halves = 1 whole · 4 quarters = 1 whole.
- A half is bigger than a quarter.