fractionsDecimals · Year 4 · AC9M4N04
Fractions on a number line
On a number line a fraction is a distance from 0. Count the equal spaces between 0 and 1: that is the denominator. Then count the spaces from 0 to the point: that is the numerator. Count spaces (jumps), not marks. Past 1 the counting keeps going, giving improper fractions like 5/4. If 1 is not labelled, use a labelled mark to work out what one space is worth.
Sample questions
What fraction is the arrow pointing to?
- There are 5 equal spaces between 0 and 1, so each space is 1/5.
- The arrow is 3 spaces after 0.
- The arrow points to 3/5
Answer: 3/5
What fraction is the arrow pointing to?
- There are 4 equal spaces between 0 and 1, so each space is 1/4.
- The arrow is 1 space after 0.
- The arrow points to 1/4
Answer: 1/4
What fraction is the arrow pointing to?
- There are 2 equal spaces between 0 and 1, so each space is 1/2.
- The arrow is 1 space after 0.
- The arrow points to 1/2
Answer: 1/2