Fraction Number Searches

Learning Goals:

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

The Challenge:

Discuss the following image with your child – what fractions do you see represented?
How many different fractions can you find?

An eight by eight unit square is divided into different coloured fractional parts in a variety of sizes: A yellow parallelogram and purple square that are 16 square units each, an orange triangle, blue triangle, and pink square that are 8 square units each, and two green triangles that are 4 square units each.

Ex., “I see that the orange triangle is one-half of the purple square”
“I see that the green triangles together would be worth one-eighth 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 yellow parallelogram would be worth 16 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