Split shapes into parts with equal areas
Cutting shapes into equal parts gives your child something concrete to hold on to when they think about fractions: each of 4 equal parts is 1/4, even when the parts look different. Focusing on equal area rather than matching looks prepares your child to compare and add fractions in 4th grade. It also helps with everyday fairness, like cutting a pan of brownies into equal servings, and supports later work with area and geometry.
In this video, your child will learn to split shapes into parts of equal area.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
What fraction of the whole is each part?
Example 2
What fraction of its square is each part?
Your child's turn
Are the parts equal? What fraction of the square is each part?
The three key steps
- 1Equal parts: the same area
- 2Count equal parts: bottom number
- 3Each part: the top number is 1
Mistakes to listen for
- Splitting a shape into parts of different sizes and still calling each part 1/4, because there are four of them.
- Thinking equal parts must look alike, so two differently shaped halves with the same area do not count.
- Writing the number of parts instead of a fraction, such as 4 instead of 1/4.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to splitting shapes into equal parts →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
Join the clubMore kid-friendly lessons
More 3rd grade Geometry, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice splitting shapes into equal parts, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to splitting shapes into equal parts has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice splitting shapes into equal parts
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on splitting shapes into equal parts and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
Join the club