Number lines (2,3,4,5)

You may have already looked at representing fractions with fraction bars. Now watch this video to learn about fractions as a point on the number line.

Representing fractions

We can represent fractions using:

• area
• segments of lines
• collections; and
• as points on the number line.

The number line

Fractions are used to describe points between whole numbers. For example, one and a half is halfway between one and two.

To represent fractions as a point on the number line we:

• divide the number line into the number of equal parts indicated by the denominator.
• count along the number of parts using the numerator.

Example 1

To plot $\frac{3}{5}$35​ on a number line:

1. Divide a number line between $0$0 and $1$1 into five equal parts to make fifths
2. Count along to the third fifth to indicate $\frac{3}{5}$35​

 

Try this question for yourself:

Question 1:

Example 2

Can you work out what fraction the diagram below is indicating on the number line?

The number line is divided into thirds (three equal parts between each whole number). The red rectangle is indicating the second point along the line, so it is $\frac{2}{3}$23​.

Try this question for yourself:

question 2

Question 3

 

 

This applet will help you to practice more fractions on a number line.