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Basic 1 · Mathematics · Fractions

One-Half

In this topic you will learn that a half is one of two equal parts of a whole.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Explain what a half is
  • Show a half of a shape or object
  • Tell if two parts are equal halves

What you already know

  • Equal groups

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
Number
Sub-strand
Fractions
Indicator
B1.1.3.1.1 – Understand the fraction one-half as the quantity obtained by taking 1 part when a whole is partitioned into two equal parts

Introduction

Kojo and Adwoa share one orange. Mother cuts it in the middle. Each child gets the same size. Each part is a half.

1. What is a Half?

Half: One of two equal parts of a whole thing.

We write one-half as ½.

Two halves make one whole.

An orange cut into two equal halves
Figure 1: One orange cut into two halves Draw a circle, cut it in the middle and write ½ in each part.Illustration: Sirbus

2. Equal and Not Equal Parts

Halves must be the same size.

Two squares, one cut into equal halves with a tick and one cut unequally with a cross
Figure 2: Equal halves and unequal parts Draw both squares and mark them with a tick and a cross.Illustration: Sirbus

Common mistake: If one part is bigger, the parts are not halves.

Tip: Fold paper so the edges meet. The fold makes two halves.

New words

whole
One complete thing.
half
One of two equal parts.
equal
The same size.
share
To divide something so each person gets a part.

Summary

  • A half is one of two equal parts.
  • We write a half as ½.
  • Two halves make one whole.

Class activity: Paper Folding

  1. Take a fraction strip or a piece of paper.
  2. Fold it so the edges meet.
  3. Open it and colour one half.
  4. Show your partner that the two parts are equal.

You need: Fraction strips cut from old cartons, Bottle tops, Exercise books

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. How many halves make a whole?

    • A. 1
    • B. 2
    • C. 3
    • D. 4
    Show answer
    Answer: 2Two halves make one whole.

  2. 2. Which is the sign for one-half?

    • A. 2
    • B. ½
    • C. 1
    • D. +
    Show answer
    Answer: ½We write one-half as ½.

  3. 3. Halves are always the same size.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueHalves are two equal parts.

  4. 4. A bread cut into a big piece and a small piece is cut into halves.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseThe pieces are not equal.

  5. 5. One of two equal parts is called a ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: halfThat is the meaning of a half.

  6. 6. Draw a circle and show one half of it.

    Show answer
    Answer: A circle with a line through the middle and one part coloured.The line must make two equal parts.

Homework

  1. Ask someone at home to help you cut a fruit into two halves. Draw it.