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Florida Grade 2 Math · Fractions

MA.2.FR.1.1: Halves, Thirds, and Fourths

What this Grade 2 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

Download Free Worksheet (PDF)See worked examples

What Is Benchmark MA.2.FR.1.1?

Students split circles and rectangles into 2, 3, or 4 equal-sized parts and name the parts: halves, thirds, and fourths (or quarters). They describe the whole as two halves, three thirds, or four fourths.

In Grade 2, students use words only. Writing fractions with a top and bottom number starts in Grade 3. The parts must be equal in size to be called halves, thirds, or fourths.

Official benchmarkPartition circles and rectangles into two, three or four equal-sized parts. Name the parts using appropriate language, and describe the whole as two halves, three thirds or four fourths.

How it is tested: Grade 2 students take FAST Star Math, Florida's math test for Kindergarten through Grade 2.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Naming Equal Parts

A round pizza is cut into 4 equal slices. What is each slice called? How do you describe the whole pizza?
  1. 1The pizza has 4 equal parts.
  2. 2Each part is one fourth (also called one quarter).
  3. 3The whole pizza is four fourths.
Answer: Each slice is one fourth; the whole pizza is four fourths.

Worked Example 2

Equal or Not Equal?

A rectangle is cut into 3 parts: one big part and two small parts. Does it show thirds?
  1. 1Thirds are 3 parts that are all the same size.
  2. 2These 3 parts are not the same size.
Answer: No, it does not show thirds.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Calling unequal parts halves

Wrong:A sandwich cut into a big piece and a small piece is cut in half.

Halves must be the same size. If one piece is bigger, the pieces are not halves.

Thinking more parts means bigger parts

Wrong:One fourth of a pizza is bigger than one half of the same pizza.

The more equal parts you cut the same whole into, the smaller each part is. One half is bigger than one fourth.

Helpful Math Tip

Fold paper rectangles and circles into halves and fourths, and cut sandwiches or pancakes into equal parts. Ask: "Are all the parts the same size? What is each part called?"

Related Grade 2 Skills

MA.2.FR.1.2

Equal Parts With Different Shapes

MA.2.GR.1.3

Lines of Symmetry

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.