🔢 Maths

Halves and Quarters

Ages 7–9

You will learn

Know that a half is 1 of 2 equal parts and a quarter is 1 of 4 equal parts, and find them of small numbers.

Before you start

Sharing objects equally, and simple division by 2.

Quick answer

A half (1/2) is one of 2 equal parts. A quarter (1/4) is one of 4 equal parts. To find a half of a number, share it into 2 equal groups; for a quarter, share it into 4.

Let’s learn

A fraction is a part of a whole. The parts must be equal (the same size).

Half: 1/2

Cut something into 2 equal parts. Each part is one half, written 1/2.

Quarter: 1/4

Cut something into 4 equal parts. Each part is one quarter, written 1/4.

Example: a pizza 🍕

  • Cut into 2 equal slices → each slice is 1/2.
  • Cut into 4 equal slices → each slice is 1/4.
  • 2 quarters together are the same as 1 half.

Finding a half or quarter of a number

  • Half of 8: share 8 into 2 equal groups → 4 and 4 → 4.
  • Quarter of 8: share 8 into 4 equal groups → 2, 2, 2, 2 → 2.

Check what you know

Choose an answer, then press Check. You can try again if you need to.

  1. 1 What is half of 10?
  2. 2 What is a quarter of 12?
  3. 3 How many quarters make one whole?
  4. 4 Which is bigger: one half or one quarter of the same pizza?

Try this next

Fold a square piece of paper in half, then in half again. Open it up. How many quarters can you see?