Identifying Equal Parts
Overview
When we share something, we divide it equally. We call these fair shares!
For example, if I have one whole cookie and I want to share it equally with a friend, I will divide it into two equal parts. This means that each piece is the same size.
We can divide objects and groups in many ways. When the groups are the same, they are EQUAL.
Look at the examples below. Some are EQUAL and some are UNEQUAL.
The pictures in the first column show equal parts. We could share those pieces fairly. These can be called fair shares.
The other side shows unequal parts. The pieces are uneven. Some are bigger while others are smaller. These pieces would not be shared in a fair way.
Let’s take a look at this example.
We will decide if the parts are EQUAL or UNEQUAL.
This circle is divided into two pieces or parts.
Are the parts the same size?
Are the parts equal?
Yes, they can be shared fairly.
The circle parts are EQUAL.
This rectangle is divided into four pieces or parts.
Are the parts the same size?
Are the parts equal?
No, they cannot be shared fairly.
Some are big and others are small.
The rectangle parts are UNEQUAL.
Groups of objects can also be divided equally. For example, if I have 6 cookies and two friends, I can share my cookies with them.
Each friend can have 2 cookies. And I can have 2 cookies. This shows fair shares.
2 + 2 + 2 = 6 cookies.
Let’s look at another example.
There are 10 pineapples. Let’s share them between two people.
We will create two EQUAL groups.
How many pineapples will be in each group?
The pineapples can be shared equally into two groups with five pineapples in the first group and five pineapples in the second group.
5 + 5 = 10
There are two EQUAL groups of pineapples.
Here is another example.
There are 12 dogs to be walked. Four friends are working together to walk them. How many dogs should go into each group so that they are EQUAL?
The dogs will be split equally into four groups with three dogs in each group.
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
There are four EQUAL groups with three dogs in each group.
Let’s practice!
Practice Question 1
Is the shape below divided into EQUAL parts?
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