- Definition
An equal-share problem is when you divide a total amount of something fairly among a certain number of people or groups, so everyone gets the same amount. For example, if you have 12 cookies and want to give them equally to 4 kids, each kid gets 3 cookies.
Sharing 8 crayons between 2 kids so each one gets 4 is an equal-share problem.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An equal-share problem is like making sure everyone gets the same number of crackers for a snack.
Ask your child: How can we share these toys so everyone gets the same number?
Common mix-up: Kids might just give out items until they're gone, without making sure it's fair. The key is that every single person must get the exact same amount.
Examples
- Dealing 10 cards to two players so each person gets 5.
- Splitting a bag of 6 apple slices between 3 friends so each gets 2 slices.
equal-share problem is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
