Topics
7. Fractions
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AustraliaVIC
Level 3

7.03 Fraction bars 2

Lesson
Practice
Lesson

Are you ready?

Can you find the number of equal parts a shape is divided up into?

Examples

Example 1

Here is a fraction bar.

A fraction bar divided into 5 equal parts

Complete the statements below.

a

This fraction bar has ⬚ equal parts.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Count the number of smaller rectangles that make up the whole bar.

Apply the idea

There are 5 rectangles inside the fraction bar.

This fraction bar has 5 equal parts.

b

Each part is \dfrac{⬚}{⬚} of the whole.

Worked Solution
Create a strategy

Each part looks like this:

A fraction bar divided into 5 equal parts. One part is shaded.

We can write this fraction as:

A fraction with parts explained. Ask your teacher for more information.
Apply the idea

Each part is \dfrac{1}{5} of the whole.

Idea summary

When writing unit fractions:

  • The number of equal parts the whole is divided into is the denominator (bottom number).

  • The numerator is 1.

Fraction bars with more denominators

This video looks at fraction bars for fractions with denominators up to tenths.

Loading video...

Examples

Example 2

Which of the following shows \dfrac{5}{7} on a fraction bar?

A
A fraction bar divided into 8 equal parts. 5 parts are shaded.
B
A fraction bar divided into 7 equal parts. 4 parts are shaded.
C
A fraction bar divided into 7 equal parts. 5 parts are shaded.
Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The top part of the fraction (numerator) tells us how many parts should be shaded. The bottom part of the fraction (denominator) tells us how many parts to divide the bar into.

Apply the idea

The fraction \dfrac{5}{7} is asking for five parts of the bar to be shaded. So 5 out of 7 parts should be shaded.

So the answer is option C.

Idea summary

When writing fractions using fraction bars:

  • The denominator (bottom number) shows the number of equal parts the whole is divided into.
  • The numerator (top number) shows how many parts are shaded, so shows the value of the fraction.

Outcomes

VCMNA136

Model and represent unit fractions including 1/2, 1/4, 1/3, 1/5 and their multiples to a complete whole

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