Fractions as Whole Numbers: A Visual Adventure!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 4:23 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore how whole numbers can be expressed as fractions using models and number lines. Learn to visualize fractions and understand their relationship to whole numbers.

Video Resource

Whole numbers as fractions | Fractions | 3rd grade | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:23
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions can represent whole numbers.
  • A whole number can be written as a fraction with a denominator of 1.
  • Visual models help understand fractions.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to represent whole numbers as fractions using visual models (circles, number lines).
  • Students will be able to identify and write a whole number as a fraction with a denominator of 1.
  • Students will understand that a fraction with the same numerator and denominator equals one whole.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what a fraction is (parts of a whole). Ask students for examples of fractions they know. Briefly discuss the numerator and denominator and what they represent.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Whole numbers as fractions | Fractions | 3rd grade | Khan Academy'. Instruct students to pay close attention to how the presenter uses circles and number lines to represent whole numbers as fractions.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    After the video, work through examples together on the board. Start with simple examples like representing 2 as a fraction. Use circle models and number lines to show 2/1. Gradually increase the complexity to representing 4 and 5 as fractions. Ask students to explain each step.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with worksheets containing problems where they need to represent whole numbers as fractions using models and writing the fraction. Include problems such as: 'Draw a model and write the fraction for the whole number 6' or 'Represent 4 on a number line as a fraction'.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts: How to represent whole numbers as fractions. Remind students that any whole number can be written as a fraction with a denominator of 1.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Model Creation
    Give each student a set of blank circles. Have them divide the circles into one equal part. Then, ask them to shade in a number of circles to represent a whole number and write the fraction below each model. For example, shading in 3 circles represents 3/1.
  • Number Line Representation
    Provide students with pre-drawn number lines. Have them mark whole numbers and then represent them as fractions with a denominator of 1 on the number line. For example, marking 5/1 at the position of the whole number 5.

Discussion Questions

  • Can any whole number be written as a fraction?
  • What does the denominator of 1 mean when a whole number is written as a fraction?
  • How does using a visual model help you understand fractions?

Skills Developed

  • Visual representation of numbers
  • Fraction understanding
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which fraction represents the whole number 5?

Correct Answer: 5/1

Question 2:

How many wholes are in the fraction 4/1?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 3:

If you have 7/1, what whole number does that represent?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 4:

Which model best represents the fraction 3/1?

Correct Answer: Three circles, each divided into one part and completely shaded

Question 5:

What number is the denominator of a fraction representing a whole number?

Correct Answer: 1

Question 6:

If you have 2 whole circles, what fraction represents this?

Correct Answer: 2/1

Question 7:

What does the fraction 6/1 represent?

Correct Answer: Six wholes

Question 8:

Which of these fractions does NOT represent a whole number?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Question 9:

If you have one whole pizza, and then cut it into one slice, how many slices do you have?

Correct Answer: 1/1

Question 10:

Which fraction represents the whole number 9?

Correct Answer: 9/1

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The whole number 4 can be written as the fraction ___/1.

Correct Answer: 4

Question 2:

A fraction with a denominator of 1 shows how many ____ are in the whole number.

Correct Answer: wholes

Question 3:

The fraction 8/1 represents the whole number ____.

Correct Answer: 8

Question 4:

To show the number 3 as a fraction, you can color in ____ circles completely, with each circle representing one whole.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 5:

A number line shows that 6/1 is the same as the whole number ____.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 6:

When the numerator and denominator are the same, the fraction represents ____ whole.

Correct Answer: one

Question 7:

In the fraction 7/1, the ____ is 7.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 8:

Any whole number can be written as a fraction with a denominator of ____.

Correct Answer: 1

Question 9:

The fraction 12/1 represents ____ wholes.

Correct Answer: 12

Question 10:

The model for 2/1 would show ____ whole circles shaded.

Correct Answer: 2

Educational Standards

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.

Teaching Materials

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