Fractions — Grade 2 Mathematics
In Grade 2, we go deeper into fractions. We discover that different fractions can represent exactly the same amount — these are called equivalent fractions. We also learn to find a fraction of a quantity, such as ¾ of 20 — a skill used in cooking, shopping, and science every day!
Equivalent Fractions
½ = 2/4 = 4/8 — they all represent one half of a whole.
To find an equivalent fraction, multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator by the same number.
Example: ½ → multiply both by 4 → 4/8 ✅
When numerator = denominator, the fraction = 1 whole. (e.g., 4/4 = 1)
Fraction Wall
You can see: ½ = 2/4 = 4/8. They all reach the same point on the wall!
Fractions of a Quantity
Step 1: Divide the quantity by the denominator (find one part).
Step 2: Multiply the result by the numerator (scale up to the right number of parts).
Example: ¾ of 24 = (24 ÷ 4) × 3 = 6 × 3 = 18
Worked Examples
Find 3/4 of 24.
- Step 1 — divide by denominator: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 (this is 1/4 of 24)
- Step 2 — multiply by numerator: 6 × 3 = 18 (this is 3/4 of 24)
Show ¼, ½, and ¾ on a number line from 0 to 1.
The number line is split into 4 equal parts. Each gap = ¼.
A pizza 🍕 is cut into 8 equal slices. Mia eats 3 slices. What fraction did she eat? What fraction is left?
Check: 3/8 + 5/8 = 8/8 = 1 whole ✅
Practice Questions
Try these! Work out the answers first, then check.
1. Find ½ of 18.
2. Find ¾ of 20.
3. Write an equivalent fraction for ½ with a denominator of 8.
4. There are 30 students. 2/5 are absent. How many are absent?
5. True or false: 2/4 = 3/6?
Key Points to Remember
- Equivalent fractions look different but represent the same amount.
- To create an equivalent fraction, multiply/divide top AND bottom by the same number.
- To find a fraction of a quantity: ÷ by denominator, then × by numerator.
- When numerator = denominator, the fraction equals 1 whole.
- A fraction wall shows that ½ = 2/4 = 4/8 — they all line up perfectly.