Fraction Fun: Locating Fractions on a Number Line!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 4:16 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to place fractions on a number line and understand what each fraction represents. We'll explore how fractions are numbers too, and how they fit between whole numbers!

Video Resource

Fractions on a number line | Fractions | 3rd grade | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:16
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions represent parts of a whole.
  • A number line can be divided into equal sections to represent fractions.
  • Fractions are numbers that can be located on a number line.
  • The denominator tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
  • The numerator tells you how many of those parts you have.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to divide a number line into equal sections to represent fractions.
  • Students will be able to correctly locate and label fractions on a number line.
  • Students will be able to understand that fractions are numbers and represent a value between whole numbers.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what fractions are (parts of a whole). Use familiar examples like pizza slices or sharing cookies. Ask students if they've ever seen fractions on a number line before. Briefly explain that today, they'll learn how to put fractions on a number line.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Fractions on a number line' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0WsfO-RI8Y). Encourage students to pay attention to how the number line is divided and how the fractions are labeled. Pause the video at key points to ask clarifying questions.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Draw a number line on the board. Guide students through dividing the number line into equal sections (e.g., halves, fourths, thirds). Have students help you label each section with the corresponding fraction. Start with fractions between 0 and 1.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with worksheets that have blank number lines. Ask them to divide the number lines into equal sections and label specific fractions (e.g., label 1/2, 1/4, 3/4 on one number line; label 1/3, 2/3 on another). Circulate to provide assistance as needed.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to share what they learned about fractions and number lines. Remind them that fractions are numbers and can be found on a number line.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Number Line Game
    Play an online interactive game where students drag and drop fractions onto the correct spot on a number line. (e.g., available on Education.com, ABCya.com)
  • Human Number Line
    Create a human number line by having students stand in a line. Give each student a fraction card and have them arrange themselves in the correct order on the number line. Use masking tape on the floor to visually represent the number line.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the bottom number (denominator) of a fraction tell you?
  • What does the top number (numerator) of a fraction tell you?
  • How is putting a fraction on a number line similar to dividing a pizza?
  • Can you think of a time when you've seen fractions used in real life?
  • How can a number line help you compare two different fractions?

Skills Developed

  • Number Sense
  • Fraction Understanding
  • Visual Representation
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the denominator (the bottom number) of a fraction tell you?

Correct Answer: How many equal parts the whole is divided into

Question 2:

If a number line is divided into 4 equal parts between 0 and 1, what fraction would the first mark represent?

Correct Answer: 1/4

Question 3:

Which of these fractions is equal to 1 whole?

Correct Answer: 5/5

Question 4:

What is the numerator (the top number) of a fraction?

Correct Answer: How many parts are selected

Question 5:

On a number line divided into thirds, which fraction comes first after zero?

Correct Answer: 1/3

Question 6:

If you divide a number line into 6 equal parts between 0 and 1, what fraction does the last mark before 1 represent?

Correct Answer: 5/6

Question 7:

Which fraction is halfway between 0 and 1 on a number line?

Correct Answer: 1/2

Question 8:

Which of the following number lines accurately represents the fraction 2/5?

Correct Answer: A number line divided into 5 equal parts with the second mark labeled

Question 9:

What does it mean to locate a fraction on a number line?

Correct Answer: To put it on the correct spot on the number line

Question 10:

Which fraction is closest to 1 on a number line?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Fractions are ________ that can be found on a number line.

Correct Answer: numbers

Question 2:

The bottom number of a fraction is called the ________.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 3:

The top number of a fraction is called the ________.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 4:

If you divide a number line into five equal sections between 0 and 1, each section represents ________.

Correct Answer: 1/5

Question 5:

When the numerator and denominator of a fraction are the same, the fraction is equal to ________.

Correct Answer: 1

Question 6:

1/2 is ________ than 1/4.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 7:

On a number line, 2/3 comes ________ 1/3.

Correct Answer: after

Question 8:

Dividing the number line into equal parts helps us visualize ________.

Correct Answer: fractions

Question 9:

3/3 is the same as ________ whole.

Correct Answer: 1

Question 10:

The bigger the denominator, the ________ the pieces.

Correct Answer: smaller

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.3.3:Use models to order and compare whole numbers and fractions less than and greater than one, using comparative language and symbols. 4.N.3.1:Represent and rename equivalent fractions using fraction models (e.g., parts of a set, area models, fraction strips, number lines).

Teaching Materials

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