Skill: Identify unit fractions

A unit fraction names exactly one equal part of a whole. It is written as

$$\frac{1}{n}$$

The numerator is $1$, showing that one part is selected. The denominator tells how many equal parts make the whole.

Example: A rectangle is divided into $6$ equal parts, and $1$ part is shaded.

1. Count the equal parts: there are $6$.
2. Count the shaded parts: there is $1$.
3. Write the shaded part as a fraction:

$$\frac{1}{6}$$

Because the numerator is $1$, $\frac{1}{6}$ is a unit fraction. It means one out of six equal parts.

Remember: When a whole is divided into more equal parts, each part is smaller. For example, one part of $\frac{1}{6}$ is smaller than one part of $\frac{1}{3}$.