Topics
8. Fractions
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AustraliaNSW
Stage 2

8.06 Number lines 2

Lesson
Practice
Lesson

Are you ready?

Can you identify the fraction shown on a fraction bar?

Examples

Example 1

Which of the following shows \dfrac{3}{4} on the fraction bar?

A
A fraction bar divided into 4 equal parts. All parts are shaded.
B
A fraction bar divided into 3 equal parts. All parts are shaded.
C
A fraction bar divided into 4 equal parts. Three parts are shaded.
D
A fraction bar divided into 5 equal parts. Three parts are shaded.
Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The top part of the fraction (numerator) tells us how many parts should be shaded. The bottom part of the fraction (denominator) tells us how many parts to divide the bar into.

Apply the idea

The fraction \dfrac{3}{4} is asking for three parts of the bar to be shaded. So 3 out of 4 parts should be shaded.

So the answer is option C.

Idea summary

When writing fractions using fraction bars:

  • The denominator (bottom number) shows the number of equal parts the whole is divided into.
  • The numerator (top number) shows how many parts are shaded, so shows the value of the fraction.

Fractions on a number line

This video looks at plotting fractions on number lines and naming fractions that are plotted on number lines.

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Examples

Example 2

Plot \dfrac{1}{6} on the number line.

01
Worked Solution
Create a strategy

The space between 0 and 1 on the number line has been divided into 6 equal spaces. So we need to move 1 space to the right of 0.

Apply the idea

To plot \dfrac{1}{6}, we can start at zero and jump to the right 1 space.

01
Idea summary

When plotting a fraction on a number line:

  • the denominator (bottom number) shows how many spaces between each whole number.

  • the numerator (top number) shows the number of spaces to move from zero.

Outcomes

MA2-7NA

represents, models and compares commonly used fractions and decimals

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