Max Maths, Year 3, Learn together, Equivalent fractions (1)

In a Year 3 maths lesson about equivalent fractions, students explore the concept that different fractions can represent the same quantity. The lesson starts with a relatable scenario: Padma and Tya each have a pizza of the same size. Padma divides her pizza into 2 equal slices, while Tya divides hers into 4 equal slices. When Padma takes one slice, which is half of her pizza, and Tya takes two slices, which is half of her pizza as well, the children are prompted to observe that the amount of pizza on each plate is identical.

This observation leads to the discovery that 1/2 and 2/4 are equivalent fractions—they represent the same proportion of the whole pizza despite having different numerators and denominators. Through this practical illustration, students learn that fractions with different numbers can be equal in value and are known as equivalent fractions. The lesson emphasizes that 1/2 is the same as 2/4, helping students to understand the concept of equivalence in a visual and tangible way.