Quarter facts for kids

Quarter is a word with several different meanings. It often refers to one-fourth of something, like a piece of pie or a specific amount of time. It can also mean a special coin used in some countries, or a particular area or neighborhood within a city.

What Does One Quarter Mean?

When you hear "quarter," it most often means one-fourth, or 25% of something. Imagine a whole pizza cut into four equal slices. Each slice is a quarter of the pizza. This idea is used in many ways:

• Fractions: In math, a quarter is written as 1/4. It means one part out of four equal parts.
• Time: A quarter of an hour is 15 minutes (because 60 minutes / 4 = 15 minutes). So, "a quarter past three" means 3:15.
• Measurements: A quarter of a gallon is a specific amount of liquid. A quarter of a mile is a specific distance.
• Sports: In many sports like basketball or American football, a game is divided into four quarters. Each quarter is a period of play.

The Quarter Coin: A Special Piece of Money

In the United States and Canada, a "quarter" is a coin worth 25 cents. This means four quarters make one dollar.

• Value: A U.S. quarter is worth $0.25. It is a common coin used for everyday purchases.
• Appearance: The U.S. quarter usually features the first President, George Washington, on one side. The other side often shows an eagle or other designs.
• History: Quarters have been minted, or made, in the U.S. for a very long time. Over the years, their designs have changed. A popular series was the "50 State Quarters Program," which showed unique designs for each U.S. state. This program helped people learn about different states.

How Are Quarters Made?

Coins like the quarter are made in special factories called mints. The process involves several steps:

• Metal Blanks: First, large sheets of metal are cut into small, round pieces called blanks.
• Stamping: These blanks are then placed into powerful machines. These machines stamp, or press, the designs onto both sides of the coin at the same time.
• Edge Details: Finally, the edges of the coins are often reeded, meaning small grooves are added. This makes them easier to hold and helps prevent counterfeiting.

City Quarters: Unique Neighborhoods

A "quarter" can also mean a specific part or district within a larger city. These quarters often have their own unique history, culture, or purpose.

• Distinct Areas: For example, a city might have a "financial quarter" where many banks and businesses are located. It could also have a "historic quarter" with old buildings and museums.
• Cultural Quarters: Some cities have quarters named after the people who settled there. The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem is an example. It is a historic area where many Armenian people live and have their churches and schools.
• Famous Examples: The Latin Quarter in Paris, France, is famous for its universities, bookstores, and cafes. The Jewish Quarter in many European cities historically housed Jewish communities. These quarters often have a special atmosphere and unique traditions.

Why Do Cities Have Quarters?

Cities often grow over time, and different groups of people or types of activities tend to gather in certain areas.

• Historical Reasons: In the past, people from the same background or with the same job might have lived close together. This created distinct neighborhoods.
• Planning: Sometimes, city planners decide to create specific zones for different purposes, like a business district or a residential area.
• Identity: These quarters help give a city its unique identity and character. They make it easier for people to find specific services or experience different cultures within one city.

See also

In Spanish: Quarter para niños