Fractions on a Number Line

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

A fraction represents the number of equal parts of a whole.

Sometimes you can use shapes split into equal parts to show a fraction:

You can also use fraction bars:

This time, let's use a number line to show fractions.

• Remember the relay race from above?

When you start a relay race, the first runner starts at the START line, or 0.

The four runners will run equal parts in order to cross the finish line at 1 whole mile.

Let's mark on the number line where each runner will start their equal part of the race.

Now, we are ready to make a fraction!

• The number line is split into how many equal parts?

Four! The number line is split into four equal parts! This number becomes the denominator of the fraction.

• If the runner at the START line runs to the next teammate, how much of the race did that runner run?

• In other words, if you start at the 0 on the number line and look at the point, what fraction does the number line represent?

The fraction shown on this number line is ¼ .

The first teammate will run ¼ of the one mile race! Each runner will run ¼ of a mile.

Let's think about the relay race in a few different situations. Draw a number line to help you understand.

If you would like to review what you have just learned, watch Fractions on a Number Line - 3rd Grade Math Videos for Kids from Math & Learning Videos 4 Kids:

To practice using number lines to show fractions, click "Next" to visit the Got It? section.