Fractions tell us about the number of equal parts in a whole.
Fractions have two parts: the numerator and the denominator.
The numerator tells us how many parts we have.
The denominator tells us the total number of parts the whole is split into.
Fractions with 1 as the numerator are called unit fractions.
1/5, or one fifth, is an example of a unit fraction.
1/5 has 5 equal parts.
1 part of it is shaded:
Below is the bar model for 1/5.
The number line model for 1/5 is below.
In all the models, only one part of the whole is shaded.
What unit fraction does this model show?
First, count the number of equal parts the whole is divided into.
This will be the denominator of the unit fraction.
One part is shaded. So the numerator is 1.
This model shows the unit fraction 1/12.
What unit fraction does this model show?
First, count the number of equal parts the number line is divided into.
This is the denominator of the unit fraction.
Only 1 part is shaded. So the numerator is 1.
This unit fraction is 1/4.
Remember:
All unit fractions have a numerator of 1.
Great job learning about unit fractions. 🎉
Now, let's practice.