Fractions of amounts: step-by-step example
29 October 2026
Understanding how to work out fractions of amounts is a key skill for 11+ maths. It helps children break down questions into simple steps and builds confidence with numbers.
Let's look at a clear example together. This will show how to find a fraction of a given quantity using easy numbers.
Worked example
Question: What is \( \frac{2}{5} \) of 20?
Step 1: Divide 20 by 5. 20 ÷ 5 = 4
Step 2: Multiply the answer by 2. 4 × 2 = 8
Key insight: To find a fraction of a quantity, divide by the denominator, then multiply by the numerator.
The correct answer is 8.
Now your child can spot the method for finding a fraction of an amount. With this pattern, similar questions will feel much more manageable.
There are practice problems ready to help your child use the same steps with other numbers.
