Skill: Identify two halves as one whole

A half is one of 2 equal parts of the same whole.

If we put the two equal halves back together, we have the entire whole:

$$\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2}=\frac{2}{2}=1$$

Example: A rectangle is divided into 2 equal parts. Both parts are shaded. What fraction of the rectangle is shaded?

1. The rectangle is split into 2 equal parts.
2. Each part is one half, or $\frac{1}{2}$.
3. Both halves are shaded, so count the shaded parts: $2$.
4. There are $2$ equal parts in all, so the fraction is $\frac{2}{2}$.
5. Two halves make one whole:

$$\frac{2}{2}=1$$

So, the shaded amount is one whole rectangle. Remember: the parts must be equal for them to be halves.