What Are Unit Fractions?
A unit fraction is a special kind of fraction where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is a whole number.
For example, \(\frac{1}{2}\), \(\frac{1}{3}\), and \(\frac{1}{4}\) are all unit fractions. When we decompose (break down) a fraction into unit fractions, we're showing how it's made up of these equal parts!
How to Decompose Fractions
1️⃣ Look at the numerator (top number) - this tells us how many parts we have
2️⃣ The denominator (bottom number) tells us what size each part is
3️⃣ Write the fraction as a sum of unit fractions with the same denominator
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Pizza Fractions
Imagine a pizza cut into 4 equal slices. You have 3 slices. Let's decompose \(\frac{3}{4}\):
\(\frac{3}{4} = \) ?
\(\frac{3}{4} = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4}\)
Each slice is \(\frac{1}{4}\) of the pizza, so 3 slices = 3 × \(\frac{1}{4}\)!
Example 2: Chocolate Bar Fractions
A chocolate bar is divided into 5 equal pieces. You have 4 pieces. Decompose \(\frac{4}{5}\):
\(\frac{4}{5} = \frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{5}\)
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use food fractions: Cut apples, pizzas, or sandwiches to visually show how fractions can be broken down into unit fractions.
- Fraction hopscotch: Draw a number line with fractions and have your child hop to show decomposition (e.g., 3 hops of \(\frac{1}{4}\) to reach \(\frac{3}{4}\)).
- Story problems: Create fun stories like "If you eat \(\frac{1}{8}\) of a cake each day for 5 days, how much cake did you eat?" to practice decomposition.