1 Shade equal strips
Use two strips of the same length. Shade 2 of 4 equal parts on one and 1 of 2 equal parts on the other.
The shaded lengths are equal.Year 3
Fractions • Primary Maths
Year 3 Fractions
Use equal parts and simple pictures to make sense of fractions. Try the example together, then practise with shapes, sets and number lines.
½
Maths at a glance
See the Year 3 idea
Parts3/8
Compare5/8 > 3/8
Equivalent2/4 = 1/2
Add2/7 + 3/7 = 5/7
Try it together
Three ways to see why 2/4 = 1/2
Do these fractions show the same amount?
2 Use a number line
0 — ¼ — ½ — ¾ — 1
Count two quarter-length jumps from 0. You land halfway between 0 and 1, at one half.
2/4 and 1/2 mark the same point.3 Divide both numbers
(2 ÷ 2) / (4 ÷ 2) = 1/2
Divide the numerator and denominator by the same number: 2. The value of the fraction stays the same.
2/4 = 1/2For teachers and parents
Ask, “Do the two strips show the same-sized whole?” Fractions are easier to compare when the wholes match.
What if this feels too difficult?
Start by folding a strip into two equal parts, then four. Talk about what makes the parts equal before introducing the fraction symbols.
Year 3 refers to the learning sequence on iLearn Maths. Year and grade labels differ around the world, so choose by the skills and examples that suit your learner.
Choose your practice
- Numerator and denominator: interactive lesson 52 · worksheet 52
- Fractions of shapes: interactive lesson 53 · worksheet 53
- Fractions on number lines: interactive lesson 55 · worksheet 55
The examples on this page are free to read. Full lesson and worksheet access depends on your account or subscription.
From the Year 3 pathway
Learning focus
Lesson 52Understand numerator, denominator and unit fraction
Lesson 53Represent fractions of shapes and regions
Lesson 54Represent fractions of sets
Lesson 55Represent fractions of measurements and number lines
Lesson 56Count in unit fractions up to one whole
Lesson 57Compare unit fractions with denominators to 12
Key skills
What learners practise
numerator, denominator and unit fractionrepresent fractions of shapes and regionsrepresent fractions of setsrepresent fractions of measurements and number linescount in unit fractions up to one whole
Ready to practise Year 3 fractions?
Choose a lesson from the Year 3 learning pathway.