CLIL Maths: reading fractions in English
A fraction names part of a whole divided into equal parts. This English-through-maths activity teaches a half, a quarter and three quarters. Explain both the number of equal parts and the number selected.
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Le support, la méthode et les exercices corrigés à imprimer.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- Name equal parts of the same whole
- Read the fraction and explain its meaning
- Check equality before calling a piece a quarter
Before you startRead simple English sentences; use the starter lesson if you need help with names or numbers.
Un bon cours, ça se partage.
How do I say one half, one quarter and three quarters in English?
Read 1/2 as one half or a half, 1/4 as one quarter or a quarter, and 3/4 as three quarters. The denominator tells how many equal parts make the whole; the numerator tells how many are selected. Use plural quarters after three.
Name equal parts of the same whole
In one quarter, the whole has four equal parts and one is selected. In three quarters, three of the four equal parts are selected. Say one half or a half for 1/2; one quarter or a quarter for 1/4. Use the plural quarters when the numerator is greater than one.
The denominator counts equal parts in the whole; the numerator counts selected parts. Equality matters: four pieces of different sizes do not automatically make quarters. To compare simple fractions, imagine the same whole divided into the stated equal parts.
Read the fraction and explain its meaning
| Fraction | Read aloud | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | a half / one half | one of two equal parts |
| 1/4 | a quarter / one quarter | one of four equal parts |
| 3/4 | three quarters | three of four equal parts |
| 2/4 | two quarters | the same amount as one half |
Follow the coloured paper-strip example
Read and explain this example
A paper strip has four equal sections. Lina colours one section blue and two sections green. One quarter is blue. Two quarters are green. Altogether, three quarters are coloured and one quarter is blank.
Check equality before calling a piece a quarter
Counting pieces is not enough. A strip cut into four unequal pieces has four pieces, but each piece is not automatically one quarter. Quarters must be equal parts of the same whole. The same-whole condition also matters when comparing amounts: three quarters of a small strip may be smaller in length than one half of a much larger strip. In a simple fraction comparison, keep the whole fixed so that the comparison has a clear meaning.
Remember
Keep the same whole when comparing amounts. Three quarters is larger than one half of that same whole; it need not be larger than half of a much bigger object.
Step by step
Put the idea into practice
- Check that the whole is divided into equal parts.
- Count the total parts and the selected parts separately.
- Say the fraction in words and check whether the denominator word needs a plural.
Frequently asked questions
How do I say one half, one quarter and three quarters in English?
Why do I say three quarters but one quarter?
Are two quarters and one half equal?
Quiz: 1 questions
1 questions are randomly selected from this lesson’s 1-question bank. Choose one answer for each question and get an immediate explanation.
Q1How do you read 3/4?
Incorrect answer
The numerator three takes the plural quarters.
Correct answer: Three quarters
The numerator three takes the plural quarters.
Your score
0/1
Start with the worked examples
Read the lesson in small sections. Write your own example for each rule and try the Easy exercises before returning to the quiz.
Review: 1 missed question
How do you read 3/4?
Correct answerThree quarters
The numerator three takes the plural quarters.
Exercises with answers
4 exercises, from easy practice to challenges. Try each one yourself, then reveal the answer and explanation.
Exercise 1
EasyWrite 1/2, 1/4 and 3/4 in English words.
Answer and explanation
A half; a quarter; three quarters. One half and one quarter are also correct.
Exercise 2
IntermediateWhat fraction is green? What fraction is coloured altogether?
Answer and explanation
Two quarters are green. Three quarters are coloured: one blue quarter plus two green quarters.
Exercise 3
ChallengeA student cuts a cake into four unequal pieces and calls every piece a quarter. Explain.
Answer and explanation
Quarters must be four equal parts of the same whole. Four pieces alone do not guarantee four quarters.
Exercise 4
IntermediateA strip has four equal parts. Three are coloured blue. What fraction is blank, and what fraction is blue?
Answer and explanation
One quarter is blank and three quarters are blue. The four quarters together make the whole strip.