Placing Fractions on Number LinesChapter 9

4.NF.3, 4.NF.3a, 4.NF.3b, 4.NF.3b, 4.NF.3c

A number line helps us visualize the order of numbers.

A number line helps us compare two or more numbers.

We can use a number line to place fractions. Let’s look at the section between 0 and 1 enlarged.

0 1

To place a fraction on a number line we have to think about the space between the whole numbers as the whole.

0 1

Now look at the denominator of the fraction and think…

0 1

14

Into how many equal parts will the whole be

equally divided?

Next look at the numerator of the fraction and think…

0 1

14

How many parts of the equal parts are we

talking about?

The point at which the unit ends on the number line is the placement for the fraction on the number line.

14

0 1

This is what the fraction on the number line would look like.

0 114

Let’s watch a video that shows this strategy for placing fractions on a number line.

Your turn to try.

0 1

13

Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Look at the denominator and divide the

whole into equal pieces.3. Look at the numerator and shade in the

number of pieces we are talking about.

Your turn to try.

0 1

12

Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Look at the denominator and divide the

whole into equal pieces.3. Look at the numerator and shade in the

number of pieces we are talking about.

Your turn to try.

0 1

16

Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Look at the denominator and divide the

whole into equal pieces.3. Look at the numerator and shade in the

number of pieces we are talking about.

What if the numerator is greater than 1? This video helps us understand. (begin at 1 minute).

Your turn to try.

0 1

23

Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Look at the denominator and divide the

whole into equal pieces.3. Look at the numerator and shade in the

number of pieces we are talking about.

Your turn to try.

0 1

38

Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Look at the denominator and divide the

whole into equal pieces.3. Look at the numerator and shade in the

number of pieces we are talking about.

Your turn to try.

0 1

56

Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Look at the denominator and divide the

whole into equal pieces.3. Look at the numerator and shade in the

number of pieces we are talking about.

Now let’s read fractions on the number line.

0 1

Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Determine the denominator by determining

how many equal pieces the whole is divide into.

3. Determine the numerator by filling in the equal parts in to the point on the number line.

My Answer:

You Try!Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Determine the denominator by determining

how many equal pieces the whole is divide into.

3. Determine the numerator by filling in the equal parts in to the point on the number line.

My Answer:

0 1

You Try!Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Determine the denominator by determining

how many equal pieces the whole is divide into.

3. Determine the numerator by filling in the equal parts in to the point on the number line.

My Answer:

0 1

You Try!Follow these steps. 1. Block the whole. 2. Determine the denominator by determining

how many equal pieces the whole is divide into.

3. Determine the numerator by filling in the equal parts in to the point on the number line.

My Answer:

0 1

You Try! Play “Find Grampy”

You Try! Play “Battleship Numberline”

How did you do?