Math Lab

Fraction Strip Explorer

Fractions · Class III

Cut a strip into equal parts and pick how many.

4
type a value
28
3
type a value
08
Live values
  • Fraction value0.75
  • Parts left1
Live readout
Fraction value0.75
Parts left1
Equal parts (denominator)4
Parts taken (numerator)3

Formulas in this lab

  • Fraction value
    p/dp/d
  • Parts left
    dpd-p
Tip: More equal parts = each part is smaller!

Frequently asked questions

What is a fraction strip?

A fraction strip is a rectangle split into equal parts. If we cut it into 2 equal parts, each part is one-half. If we cut it into 4 equal parts, each part is one-quarter. The lab lets you see different fractions side by side.

How do I use this fraction strip?

Move the slider to choose how many equal pieces to cut. The strip on screen updates instantly so you can compare 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 by eye. Try seeing which piece is bigger.

When in real life do we use fractions?

When you share a roti with your sister, each gets one-half. When 4 friends share a pizza equally, each piece is one-fourth. When a glass is half-full, that is 1/2 of the water.

Quick tip: which is bigger, 1/3 or 1/4?

1/3 is bigger than 1/4 because cutting into 3 pieces gives larger pieces than cutting into 4. The more pieces, the smaller each one. Slide the strip to see this with your own eyes.