Fraction Number Searches

Learning Goals:

  • Read, represent, and compare simple fractions
  • Communicate mathematical thinking orally and visually

The Challenge:

Discuss the following image – what fractions do you see represented?
How many different fractions can you find?
Try thinking about individual pieces, as well as each colour in total.

An eight by eight unit square is divided into different coloured fractional parts in a variety of sizes: Four blue triangles that are 8 square units each, four light-green triangles that are 4 square units each, four pink triangles that are 2 square units each, four purple triangles that are 1 square unit each, four yellow triangles that are half a square unit each, four grey triangles that are one quarter of a square unit each, and one dark green square that is exactly one square unit in size.

Ex., “I see that one yellow triangle is one-quarter of each pink triangle”
“I see that the blue triangles together would be worth one-half of the whole shape”

Questions and Prompts to Support your Child:

  • How would you describe this design?
  • Which part or fraction did you notice first? Why do you think that was?
  • How do you know that colour represents that fraction?

Extensions & Adaptations:

  • If having trouble seeing fractions, start with whole numbers – “if each square is worth 1, what numbers do you see represented? Ex., “The pink triangles would be worth 8 total.”
  • Create your own “fraction number search” rectangles using a grid, or even just by splitting up any shape and using a ruler to measure