Halves, Quarters, Eighths and Australian Money: Year 2 Study Guide
Fractions are equal parts. Money is a real-life way to practise counting.
A half is one of two equal parts, a quarter is one of four, and an eighth is one of eight. Cutting a half in two gives quarters; cutting a quarter in two gives eighths. In Year 2, children also find these fractions of collections: half of 12 is 6, a quarter of 12 is 3.
Australian money uses cents and dollars. Coins are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Notes begin at $5, then $10, $20, $50 and $100. 100 cents make a dollar.
Fractions of a whole
Fold a paper strip in half, then half again, and again, to see 2, 4 and 8 equal parts. The more parts, the smaller each part. 1/2 > 1/4 > 1/8.
| Fraction | Equal parts | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 2 | one half |
| 1/4 | 4 | one quarter |
| 1/8 | 8 | one eighth |
| 2/4 | 2 of 4 | two quarters = one half |
Fractions of collections
Share a group equally. Half of 16 is 8 (2 groups). A quarter of 16 is 4 (4 groups). An eighth of 16 is 2 (8 groups). Use counters to model it.
Counting money
Count the largest coins or notes first, then smaller ones. $2 + $1 + 50c + 20c = $3.70. Round amounts like $1.95 to the nearest 5 cents for some shops, and calculate change: a $5 note for a $3.20 item gives $1.80 change.
Largest first.
$2, $3, $3.50, $3.70.
Is it enough to buy it?
Count up from the price.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: A quarter of 20 is 5. Example: Which is more: 50c + 20c or a $1 coin? The $1 coin (100c is more than 70c). Common mistakes: thinking a bigger coin is worth more (a 10c coin is smaller than a 5c coin in size but worth more), and saying 1/8 is bigger than 1/4. Look at real coins and fold real paper.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. 3. 2. $1.80. 3. 1/4, because the whole is cut into fewer, bigger pieces.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Halves, quarters and eighths are equal parts.
- More parts means smaller parts.
- Find fractions of collections by sharing equally.
- Count coins and notes by value.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- What is a quarter of 12?
- How much is $1 + 50c + 20c + 10c?
- Which is bigger: 1/4 or 1/8?
Print graph paper for fraction diagrams →