Florida Grade 2 Math · Fractions

MA.2.FR.1.2: Equal Parts With Different Shapes

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

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What Is Benchmark MA.2.FR.1.2?

Students split rectangles into 2, 3, or 4 equal-sized parts in two different ways. This shows that equal parts of the same whole can have different shapes.

For example, a square cake can be cut into 4 equal rectangles or into 4 equal triangles. The pieces look different, but each one is one fourth of the cake.

Official benchmarkPartition rectangles into two, three or four equal-sized parts in two different ways showing that equal-sized parts of the same whole may have different shapes.

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

Four Equal Pieces Two Ways

Show two ways to cut a square cake into 4 equal-sized pieces.

1Way 1: cut it once across and once down the middle. You get 4 small squares.
2Way 2: cut it from corner to corner both ways. You get 4 triangles.
3Each piece is one fourth of the same cake, so all the pieces are the same size.

Answer: 4 small squares, or 4 triangles

Worked Example 2

Halves of a Rectangle

Show two ways to cut a rectangle into halves.

1Way 1: cut straight down the middle. You get 2 rectangles.
2Way 2: cut from one corner to the opposite corner. You get 2 triangles.
3Both ways make 2 equal parts, so each part is one half.

Answer: 2 rectangles, or 2 triangles

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Thinking parts with different shapes can't be the same size

Wrong:Cutting a square corner to corner does not make halves, because the parts are triangles.

Each triangle is exactly half of the square. Equal-sized parts of the same whole can have different shapes.

Comparing parts from different-sized wholes

Wrong:Half of a small sandwich is the same as half of a big sandwich.

Parts can only be compared when they come from the same whole, or wholes that are the same size.

Helpful Math Tip

Cut two same-size pieces of paper in different ways (one into rectangles, one into triangles), then stack the parts on top of each other to show they cover the same amount.

Related Grade 2 Skills

MA.2.FR.1.1

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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.