Functional Skills Maths: Fractions

Understand and use parts of a whole

What is a Fraction?

  • A fraction is a part of a whole.
  • Example: ½ means 1 out of 2 equal parts.
  • The top number (numerator) is how many parts you have.
  • The bottom number (denominator) is how many equal parts in total.

Common Fractions

  • ½ = half. Divide by 2. ½ of 10 = 5.
  • ¼ = one quarter. Divide by 4. ¼ of 20 = 5.
  • ¾ = three quarters. Find ¼ then multiply by 3.
  • ⅓ = one third. Divide by 3. ⅓ of 15 = 5.

Fractions in Real Life

  • A pizza is cut into 8 slices. You eat ¼ of it: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 slices.
  • A recipe uses ½ a cup of sugar.
  • A shirt is ⅓ off the full price.

Worked Examples

Example 1: ¾ of 24

  1. Find ¼ first: 24 ÷ 4 = 6.
  2. Multiply by 3 to get ¾: 6 × 3 = 18.
  3. Answer: ¾ of 24 = 18

Example 2: ⅓ of 30

  1. Divide by 3: 30 ÷ 3 = 10.
  2. Answer: ⅓ of 30 = 10

Practice Questions

  • ½ of 16 = ?
    Hint: Divide 16 by 2.
    Answer: 8
  • ¼ of 32 = ?
    Hint: Divide 32 by 4.
    Answer: 8
  • ¾ of 12 = ?
    Hint: First find ¼: 12 ÷ 4 = 3. Then × 3 = 9.
    Answer: 9
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