Number Line Fractions: A Musical Journey!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:21 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to represent fractions on a number line with a fun song and engaging activities! Understand how denominators and numerators help us find the exact spot for a fraction.

Video Resource

Fractions on a Number Line Song | 3rd Grade & 4th Grade

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Duration: 3:21
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions represent parts of a whole.
  • A number line can be used to represent fractions.
  • The denominator tells us how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
  • The numerator tells us how many of those parts we have.
  • Always count the spaces, not the lines, when placing fractions on a number line.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the location of a given fraction on a number line.
  • Students will be able to divide a number line into equal parts based on the denominator of a fraction.
  • Students will be able to explain the role of the numerator and denominator in determining a fraction's position on a number line.
  • Students will be able to place fractions with denominators up to twelfths on a number line.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about fractions. Review the terms numerator and denominator. Introduce the concept of a number line as a tool to represent numbers, including fractions.
  • Watch the Numberock Video (5 mins)
    Play the 'Fractions on a Number Line Song' video by NUMBEROCK. Encourage students to sing along and pay attention to the lyrics, particularly the repeating chorus.
  • Discuss the Song (5 mins)
    After watching the video, discuss the key messages from the song. Emphasize the importance of the denominator in dividing the number line and the numerator in counting the spaces.
  • Guided Practice: Drawing Number Lines (10 mins)
    Guide students through drawing their own number lines and placing fractions on them. Start with simple fractions like 1/2, 1/4, and 1/3. Model the process step-by-step: draw the line, mark 0 and 1, divide the line into the number of parts indicated by the denominator, and then count the spaces indicated by the numerator.
  • Independent Practice: Fraction Placement (15 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing number lines and a list of fractions (e.g., 2/5, 3/8, 5/6, 7/10). Have them independently place the fractions on the number lines. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
  • Review and Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts and address any remaining questions. Have students share their strategies for placing fractions on the number line. Reiterate the importance of counting spaces, not lines.

Interactive Exercises

  • Human Number Line
    Create a large number line on the floor using tape. Give each student a fraction card and have them position themselves on the number line according to their fraction's value. This allows for a kinesthetic understanding of fraction placement.
  • Fraction Number Line Game
    Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with a number line and a set of fraction cards. Students take turns drawing a card and placing the fraction on the number line. The first group to correctly place all their fractions wins.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the denominator of a fraction tell us?
  • What does the numerator of a fraction tell us?
  • Why is it important to divide the number line into equal parts?
  • How can a number line help us compare fractions?
  • Can you think of real-world examples where we use fractions on a number line?

Skills Developed

  • Fraction recognition and understanding
  • Number line representation
  • Problem-solving
  • Visual-spatial reasoning
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the denominator of a fraction tell us?

Correct Answer: How many total parts the whole is divided into.

Question 2:

What does the numerator of a fraction tell us?

Correct Answer: How many of the parts we have.

Question 3:

If a number line is divided into 4 equal parts between 0 and 1, what fraction does each part represent?

Correct Answer: 1/4

Question 4:

Where would you find 1/2 on a number line that goes from 0 to 1?

Correct Answer: Right in the middle.

Question 5:

When placing 3/5 on a number line, what should you do first?

Correct Answer: Divide the number line into 5 equal parts.

Question 6:

On a number line divided into eighths, where would 5/8 be located?

Correct Answer: After the fifth space.

Question 7:

According to the Numberock song, what should you always count when placing fractions on a number line?

Correct Answer: The spaces.

Question 8:

Which of these fractions is closest to 1 on a number line?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Question 9:

If you divide a number line into 10 equal parts, what fraction is represented by the 7th mark after zero?

Correct Answer: 7/10

Question 10:

What is the first step when placing any fraction on a number line?

Correct Answer: Draw a straight line.

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The ____________ tells us how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 2:

The ____________ tells us how many of those parts we have.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 3:

On a number line, the distance from zero to one represents the ____________.

Correct Answer: whole

Question 4:

When placing a fraction on a number line, always count the ____________, not the lines.

Correct Answer: spaces

Question 5:

To find 1/3 on a number line, divide the distance between 0 and 1 into ____________ equal parts.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 6:

The fraction 1/2 is located in the ____________ of the number line between 0 and 1.

Correct Answer: middle

Question 7:

A number line is a visual way to represent ____________.

Correct Answer: fractions

Question 8:

The top number of a fraction is called the ____________.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 9:

The bottom number of a fraction is called the ____________.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 10:

If a pie is cut into six equal slices, each slice represents the fraction ____________.

Correct Answer: 1/6

Educational Standards

4.N.3.2:Use benchmark fractions (0, 1/2, 1/4, 1/3, 2/3, 3/4, 1) to locate additional fractions with denominators up to twelfths on a number line. 4.N.3.1:Represent and rename equivalent fractions using fraction models (e.g., parts of a set, area models, fraction strips, number lines). 4.N.3.3:Use models to order and compare whole numbers and fractions less than and greater than one, using comparative language and symbols.

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