A whole shape can be partitioned into four regions of equal area, with each region representing one fourth (¼) of the whole and the four fourths composing the whole. The regions may differ in shape or orientation, so equal shares depend on area rather than appearance; this understanding establishes unit fractions and supports comparing, composing, and representing fractions in later work.
To partition a shape into fourths, divide the whole shape into 4 regions with equal area.
Example: Partition a rectangle into fourths.
Start with the whole rectangle.
Draw a line straight down the middle. Now there are 2 equal parts.
Draw a line straight across the middle. This makes 4 equal regions.
+-------+-------+
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+-------+-------+
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+-------+-------+
The four fourths together make the whole rectangle:
Remember: The regions do not have to look exactly the same. They must have the same area.
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