- Definition
A fair-share problem is when you need to divide something up equally among a certain number of people or groups. For example, sharing a pizza so everyone gets the same amount.
Dividing 8 crackers between 2 friends so each friend gets exactly 4 crackers is solving a fair-share problem.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A fair-share problem is like dealing out cards for a game so that every player gets the exact same number of cards.
Ask your child: How can we fairly share these 6 strawberries between you and your sister?
Common mix-up: Kids might think sharing just means giving some to everyone. A fair-share problem means ensuring every single person gets the exact same amount.
Examples
- Putting 10 pencils into 2 cups so that each cup holds exactly 5 pencils.
- Sharing 12 building blocks equally among 3 children so each child has 4 blocks.
fair-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 ↗
