Skip to main content

The Magic 1

What fraction (part) of this hexagon is red?

hexagon cut into six equal equilateral triangles

If you said, "All of it." You are right... But, your answer isn't a fraction.

6 pieces out of 6 pieces are red... so, that's 6/6.
This is the whole hexagon... It's 1 whole hexagon.

So, 6/6 is the same as 1.

6/6 = 1

6/6 is like a magic 1.

You'll see why later... You'll be able to do a LOT with magic 1's. Especially in Algebra.

Here are some more:

7/7, 15/15, 2/2, 1234/1234

When the numerator equals the denominator, it's a magic 1.