Constructing Fourths

This school is almost built! It just needs some windows. The construction team is ready to cut pieces of glass into the shape we need for each window.

This side of the school has an empty space for a window on each fourth. That means it can be partitioned into four equal parts! We can make fourths in different ways, depending on the shape of an object. Rectangles and squares use lines that go from top to bottom, from side to side, or both! We can use top-to-bottom lines to show the fourths on this side of the school.

The team has cut the glass into the correct shapes. Now each window needs to be partitioned into fourths. We use the number 1/4 to show fourths. It is a quick way to show that the parts we have are fourths. We can write ¼ like this or like this. It means the same thing!

Let’s start with the circle. We need to partition this circle into four equal parts. Let’s try it out!

Hmm, there’s not enough parts. We made halves! Let’s try again.

We did it! The circle has four equal parts. Now the team can put this window in the wall!

Here’s a rectangle. We need to partition it into four equal parts using side-to-side lines.

We have enough parts, but they are unequal! We need four equal parts.

Yes! The rectangle has four equal parts. It is ready to be put in the school! Now let’s partition the hexagon into fourths.

This is close but not quite right. This hexagon has unequal parts.

That’s right! The hexagon now has four equal parts. The team can put this window in the school! We have one more window to partition into fourths. It’s a triangle!

There are only 3 parts. We made thirds! Uh-oh! Let’s try again.

That’s better! Now the triangle has four equal parts. It is ready to be put in the wall! You did a great job making fourths with the windows! The school is done. Now the kids can attend a brand new school!