3rd Grade Equivalent Fractions with Shaded Shapes Worksheet: Four Pairs

Two fractions are equivalent when they cover the same amount of the same whole. This 3rd grade equivalent fractions with shaded shapes worksheet has four pairs of models, labelled a to d. Each pair shows two shapes of the same size, with an equal sign between them. Item a has two rectangles, items b and c have two circles, and item d has two tall rectangles. Your child writes a fraction under each shape, so every pair becomes a short equation. A note at the top gives the rule: fractions that cover an equal area of a whole are equivalent fractions. A boy spins on one hand in the bottom corner of the page, just like a breakdancer at a show. Page two works through item a as a worked example, then it gives every pair.

Four pairs to check

The answers are 3/6 = 1/2, 4/8 = 2/4, 6/8 = 3/4 and 6/12 = 1/2. In item c, the two white parts of the first circle sit side by side at the top right, and they match the one white quarter of the second circle. All the answers in the key are right.

The idea is simple to say but hard to see. The shaded area stays the same, even though the number of parts changes. So when each part is cut in half, there are twice as many parts, and both numbers of the fraction double. Writing the fraction of a shape and spotting equal pairs is a key third grade skill.

At the table: count, then compare

Your child counts all the parts of a shape first, then the shaded parts. They write the fraction, and then they move to the second shape. Next, they place a finger on each shaded area and check that both cover the same amount.

The key has a few slips. It says "the 3 shaded parts in the first model is equal", but "are equal" is right. The sentence "You see that, the 3 shaded parts" needs no comma. In item c, the beige shading is pale, so a black and white print may need a second look at the two white parts.

After the page: fold a sheet

Fold a sheet of paper in half and color one half. Then fold it again into quarters and count the colored parts with your child. Two quarters cover the same space as one half. Next, fold once more to make eighths. Finally, check the four pairs with the answer key on page two.