Whole as Fractions

Grade 3 · fractions · 77 practice problems · read aloud

🔊 Listen to this explanation

Whole as Fractions 🧩

What is it and Why is it Useful?

A whole number can be written as a fraction! This helps us understand that fractions are just equal parts of a whole. It's useful because it lets us add and subtract fractions with whole numbers easily.

Think of it like this: one whole pizza is the same as 4 out of 4 slices, or 1 out of 1 pizza.

How to Write a Whole Number as a Fraction

  1. Step 1: Choose your whole number (like 1, 2, or 3).
  2. Step 2: Remember, any number over 1 equals itself. So, your whole number goes in the numerator (top number).
  3. Step 3: Write a 1 as the denominator (bottom number).
  4. Step 4: You can also use other denominators! Just make sure the numerator and denominator are the same number.

Visual Examples

Example 1: Writing 2 as a fraction.

We have 2 whole circles. Each circle is divided into 1 part.

2 = ²⁄₁ or ⁴⁄₂ or ⁶⁄₃

All of these fractions are equal to 2!

Example 2: Writing 1 as a fraction.

We have 1 whole rectangle. Let's divide it into 3 equal parts.

If we shade all 3 parts, we still have the whole rectangle.

1 = ¹⁄₁ or ³⁄₃ or ⁵⁄₅

Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫

Mixing up the numerator and denominator: Remember, for a whole number, the top and bottom number must be the same if the denominator is not 1. For the number 3, ³⁄₃ is correct, but ³⁄₁ is also correct!

Forgetting the rule of 1: Any whole number can be written over 1. This is the simplest way to start!

Tips & Tricks

  • The Magic 1: The quickest way is to just put your number over 1 (e.g., 5 = ⁵⁄₁).
  • Pizza Pie Rule: If you have 1 whole pizza cut into 4 slices, you need all 4 slices to make the whole pizza. So, 1 = ⁴⁄₄.
  • Look at the Top and Bottom: If the top number and bottom number are the same, the fraction always equals 1!

How to Practice

Try these activities to become a fraction expert!

  • Use paper, crayons, or LEGO bricks to draw or build wholes and divide them into equal parts.
  • Quiz yourself: How many different fraction names can you write for the number 3? (e.g., ³⁄₁, ⁶⁄₂, ⁹⁄₃)
  • Ask a family member to name a whole number, and you write it as at least two different fractions.

Practice problems

6 of the 77, worked through step by step — try them before opening the answer.

1 72/8 = ?

Hint: Think about how many times the denominator fits into the numerator

Show the answer

Answer: 9

  1. The fraction 72/8 means 72 divided by 8
  2. Think about what number multiplied by 8 equals 72
  3. 8 × 9 = 72
  4. Therefore, 72/8 = 9

The answer is 9.

2 16/1 = ?

Hint: Think about what a fraction with a denominator of 1 means. Any number over 1 is just that number.

Show the answer

Answer: 16

  1. The fraction is 16/1.
  2. Any whole number can be written as itself over 1.
  3. 16/1 means 16 divided by 1, which equals 16.

The answer is 16.

3 12/3 = ?

Hint: Think about how many times the denominator (bottom number) fits into the numerator (top number).

Show the answer

Answer: 4

  1. The fraction is 12/3. This means 12 divided by 3.
  2. 12 ÷ 3 = 4
  3. So 12/3 equals the whole number 4.

The answer is 4.

4 18/3 = ?

Hint: Think about how many times the denominator (bottom number) fits into the numerator (top number). This is like sharing 18 items equally among 3 groups.

Show the answer

Answer: 6

  1. The fraction 18/3 means 18 divided by 3.
  2. 18 ÷ 3 = 6
  3. So 18/3 is equal to the whole number 6.

The answer is 6.

5 27/3 = ?

Hint: Think about how many times the bottom number (denominator) fits into the top number (numerator).

Show the answer

Answer: 9

  1. The fraction is 27/3. This means 27 divided by 3.
  2. 27 ÷ 3 = 9.
  3. So 27/3 equals the whole number 9.

The answer is 9.

6 3/1 + 5/1 = ?

Hint: Remember that whole numbers can be written as fractions with a denominator of 1. For example, 2 can be written as 2/1 and 7 can be written as 7/1.

Show the answer

Answer: 8

  1. Identify the problem. We are adding two fractions: 3/1 and 5/1.
  2. Understand what the fractions mean. 3/1 means 3 divided by 1, which equals 3. 5/1 means 5 divided by 1, which equals 5.
  3. Rewrite the problem using whole numbers. 3/1 + 5/1 = 3 + 5.
  4. Perform the addition. 3 + 5 = 8.
  5. State the final answer. The sum is 8.
Practise this topic — 10 free problems, no signup →