Learning Target: I can use marked spaces on a number line to represent a fraction.

 
Represent Fractions on a Number Line

A number line can be broken into fractional amounts.

Example 1

The distance between 0 and 1/2 is 1/2.

The distance between 1/2 and 1 is the same amount.

The red bar and the blue bar are the same distance.

Together they equal one whole.


You can break up a number line into any kinds of fractions.



Notice that the line is always broken up into equal pieces.  Each piece is a unit fraction.


Example 2

What distance does the orange bar show?



The number line is broken into eighths, so each piece is 1/8.  The orange bar covers 5 pieces, so the distance must be 5/8.







Let's Practice Together

1.  If you break up a number line into three equal pieces, what fraction of the distance between 0 and 1 is each piece?



2.  Show how the three pieces add up to 1 whole using unit fractions.





Your Turn

3. The number line below shows the amount between 0 and 1.



Starting at 0 and moving toward 1, what fraction of the distance does the green bar show?



4.  How many sixths are in 1 whole?






Check for Understanding

1.  How would you show a distance of 3/4 on the number line?
















Answers
1.  1/3
2.  1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 = 1
3.  1/4

4.  6
Check for Understanding
1.