NCERT Class 4 Mathematics Math-Mela: Chapter 5 — Parts and Wholes
This chapter, 'Parts and Wholes,' from NCERT's Class 4 Mathematics Math-Mela, introduces fundamental concepts of fractions. It begins with a relatable scenario of two sisters, Ikra and Samina, sharing a drawing sheet. Through this example, the chapter explores the idea of dividing an object into equal parts, specifically focusing on 'halves' and 'quarters.' It prompts students to think critically about equal sharing and the perception of size when parts are named differently. The chapter includes activities where students identify correctly divided halves and practice dividing shapes themselves. It formally defines a 'half' as one of two equal parts, represented as 1/2. This foundational understanding is crucial for developing further mathematical skills in fractions and proportions, supporting the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Math-Mela |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Parts and Wholes |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 253 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of dividing an object into equal parts.
- Identify and define a 'half' (1/2) of an object.
- Differentiate between equal and unequal sharing.
- Visually divide shapes into halves.
- Relate fractions to real-life sharing scenarios.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Share | To divide something among people or groups. |
| Half | One of two equal parts of something. |
| Quarter | One of four equal parts of something. |
| Equal parts | Divisions of a whole that are exactly the same size. |
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Practice questions
- If a cake is divided into two equal parts, what is each part called? Answer: Each part is called a half.
- How do you write 'half' in numbers? Answer: Half is written as 1/2.
- Samina wanted two quarters of the paper. If the paper was divided into four equal parts, how many parts did she want? Answer: She wanted 2 parts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 4 Mathematics Math-Mela Chapter 5?
Chapter 5, 'Parts and Wholes,' introduces the basic concepts of fractions, focusing on halves and equal sharing.
What does 'half' mean in mathematics?
A 'half' represents one of two equal parts that a whole object or quantity is divided into. It is written as 1/2.
Why is understanding 'parts and wholes' important for Class 4 students?
It builds a foundation for understanding fractions, ratios, and proportions, which are essential in mathematics and everyday life.
What activities are included in this chapter?
The chapter includes activities like identifying correctly divided halves and dividing shapes into halves by drawing a line.
How does the chapter explain equal sharing?
It uses the example of sharing a drawing sheet to illustrate how an object can be divided into equal parts, prompting discussion on fairness.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Mathematics — Math-Mela — Chapter 5 — Parts and Wholes. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.