Fractions on number lines
I can place fractions on a number line by thinking of them as distances from zero.
Learn
A hiking trail is 1 kilometre long with signs every quarter. Where is the third sign?
A fraction is also a number with its own place on the number line, between whole numbers.
To place fourths, split the space from 0 to 1 into 4 equal lengths. Each length is 1/4.
The fraction 3/4 is the point you reach after 3 jumps of 1/4 from zero.
Keep jumping past 1 to reach fractions greater than one: 5/4 is one jump past 1.
Worked examples
Locating 3/4
- Split 0 to 1 into 4 equal spaces.
- Each space is 1/4.
- Make 3 jumps from 0: the point is 3/4.
Beyond one
- Each whole is split into thirds.
- 3 jumps reach 1 (3/3).
- 2 more jumps reach 5/3, which is also 1 2/3.
Explore
Change the denominator to see how the line is cut into new equal spaces. Raise the numerator to make more jumps.
Guided practice
Use the hints as much as you like. You can try each question as many times as you need.
0 of 2 solved
What fraction is marked by the point?
To mark sixths, how many equal spaces do you need between 0 and 1?
Independent practice
Answers are checked exactly — equivalent fractions count unless a question asks for a particular form.
0 of 4 solved
What fraction is marked?
Where is 1/2 on a number line from 0 to 1?
On a number line, which is further from 0? Choose the symbol: 4/5 ? 2/5
What fraction is marked?
Common mistakes
Counting tick marks instead of spaces.
Why it happens: A fraction measures distance. 4 equal spaces need 5 tick marks (including 0 and 1).
What to do: Count the jumps between marks, starting from 0.
Spacing the parts unevenly.
Why it happens: Every unit fraction must be the same length.
What to do: Split the whole first, then check each space is equal before labelling.
Lesson check
Three practice questions to check your understanding. Hints and retries are allowed, so this counts as practice — not mastery.
0 of 3 solved
What fraction is marked?
How many jumps of 1/3 from 0 reach 2?
What fraction is marked?
Show mastery on your own
Ready? Answer 4 new questions with no hints and one try each. This is the only way a lesson is marked as mastered.
Start mastery check