Chapter 3

Problem Solving

Solve simple word problems about sharing things into halves and quarters!

Word problems with halves and quarters

Some stories ask us to share one thing into equal parts. We read, then find the fraction.

Key idea

Shared equally by 2 → each gets ½.
Shared equally by 4 → each gets ¼.

Four easy steps

  • Read the story.
  • Think: how many equal parts?
  • Do: name the fraction.
  • Check the parts are equal.

Worked example

Amir has 1 orange. He shares it equally with his sister. How much does each get?
2 people share equally → each gets ½ of the orange.

A cake is cut into 4 equal parts. 1 part is eaten. What part was eaten?
1 part out of 4 equal parts → ¼ was eaten.

Remember

  • The parts must be the same size.
  • Share by 2 → ½. Share by 4 → ¼.
  • Draw the shape and cut it to help you see.

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