Skill: Identify equal and unequal parts

To identify equal and unequal parts, compare how much of the whole each part covers.

• Equal parts have the same size or area.
• Unequal parts have different sizes or areas.
• The parts do not have to have the same shape or be in the same place.

Example: A rectangle is divided into four parts. Count the same-size squares in each part:

$$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline A&A&B&B\\ \hline A&A&B&B\\ \hline C&C&C&D\\ \hline \end{array}$$

1. Part $A$ covers 4 squares.
2. Part $B$ covers 4 squares.
3. Since $A$ and $B$ cover the same area, they are equal parts.
4. Part $C$ covers 3 squares, and part $D$ covers 1 square.
5. Since $C$ and $D$ cover different areas, they are unequal parts.

Always compare the amount of the whole each part covers, not just its shape or location.