Topics
8. Fractions
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AustraliaNSW
Stage 2

8.05 Number lines 1

Lesson
Practice
Lesson

Are you ready?

You may have already looked at representing fractions with  fraction bars  . Let's try this question to remember how we can use a fraction bar to model a fraction.

Examples

Example 1

Which of the following shows \dfrac{1}{2} on the fraction bar?

A
A fracrion bar divided into 3 equal parts. One part is shaded.
B
A fraction bar divided into 2 equal parts. Two parts are shaded.
C
A fraction bar divided into 2 equal parts. One part is shaded.
D
A fracrion bar with with only one part which is shaded.
Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The bottom number (denominator) tells us number of equal pieces the bar should be broken into. The top number (numerator) tells us the number of pieces we should shade.

Apply the idea

The fraction \dfrac{1}{2} tells us that we need to divide the shape into 2 equal parts with 1 part being shaded. This means the correct answer is Option C.

Idea summary

For a fraction bar to represent a fraction, the bottom number (denominator) tells us how many equal pieces the fraction bar should be broken into. The top number (numerator) tells us the number of pieces that should be shaded.

Fractions on a number line

Now watch this video to learn about fractions as a point on the number line.

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Examples

Example 2

What value is missing from the number line below?

A number line from 0 to 1 divided into fifths. Ask your teacher for more information.
Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The missing fraction should be written as: \dfrac{\text{Number of spaces from zero}}{\text{Total number of equal spaces}}

Apply the idea

There are 5 equal spaces on the number line. We are counting up 3 spaces from 0 to get to the missing number.

\text{Missing number}=\dfrac{3}{5}

Idea summary

For fractions on a number line:

  • The denominator (bottom number) is the number of equal parts the length from 0 to 1 is divided into.
  • The numerator (top number) is how many parts the fraction is from 0.

Outcomes

MA2-7NA

represents, models and compares commonly used fractions and decimals

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