A fraction describes how many equal parts of one whole are represented, so the same fraction can appear in differently shaped or oriented figures, such as circles, rectangles, or bars. The learner identifies matching fractions by considering the number of equal-sized parts and the parts selected, rather than the figure’s appearance; regions that are unequal in size do not form a valid fraction model.
A fraction tells us:
The shape does not matter. A circle, rectangle, or bar can show the same fraction if the number of equal parts and shaded parts match.
Example: Which pictures show ?
Circle: The circle is divided into equal parts. parts are shaded.
This shows .
Rectangle: The rectangle is divided into equal strips. strips are shaded.
This also shows .
Another rectangle: It has parts, but the parts are not the same size.
This is not a correct fraction model because the whole is not divided into equal parts.
So, the circle and the rectangle with equal parts and shaded parts show the same fraction:
Look at the equal parts and the shaded parts—not the shape or its direction.
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