Introduction
In this activity, we will be learning how to find non-unit fractions of numbers and quantities.
A unit fraction uses one as a numerator.
A non-unit fraction uses a number larger than one as a numerator.
Remember that the numerator is the top number of a fraction.
The bottom number is called the denominator.
So, 1/4 is a unit fraction because it has 1 as its numerator.
3/4 is a non-unit fraction because it has 3 as its numerator.
Let’s look at an example of finding a unit fraction of an amount.
Here are eight dogs.
To find one quarter of them, we need to share 8 into 4 equal groups.
8 ÷ 4 = 2
There will be two dogs in each group.
So, 1/4 of eight is 2.
We can also see that if 1/4 is 2, then 3/4 must be 6.
1/4 of 8 = 2
2 x 3 = 6
3/4 of 8 = 6
Example
Look at the picture below.
What is two thirds (2/3) of 6?
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Answer
Let’s look carefully at the animals.
There are 6 cats.
To find 1/3, we must divide them into 3 equal groups.
6 ÷ 3 = 2
1/3 of 6 is 2.
Next, we multiply this by 2 to find 2/3.
2 x 2 = 4
2/3 of 6 = 4.
There’s a handy little rule to remember when finding non-unit fractions of quantities.
Here it is:
Divide the big number by the bottom number and multiply by the top number!
Are you ready to try some of these for yourself?
