Concept

A fraction is a part of a whole 

partwhole

A benchmark fraction is easy to visualize and helps in estimating the parts of a whole. The benchmark fractions are 0, 12, and 1.

Rule

1. A fraction is written as partwhole
2. Write the fraction.
3. Determine if the fraction is closest to the benchmarks 0, 12, or 1.
4. Answer the question based on the estimation.

Example

A large container holds 16 liters of water. There are 11 liters of water in the container. About how full is the container?

Solution

1.  A fraction is written as partwhole

2. The whole amount is 16 liters, and the part is 11 liters. The fraction that represents how much water in the container is 1116.

3. This fraction is closest to 12 .

Answer: The container is about half full. 

Pre-requisite Skills

Fractions part of a whole (4.14.1)

Comparing fractions (4.14.8)