Fractions on a number line

​You can use a number line to represent and compare fractions!
Reading fractions on a number line

To read fractions on a number line, follow these steps:
1. Count the number of equal sections between 0 and 1.
2. Write this number as your denominator.
3. Count the number of equal sections between 0 and the point.
4. Write this number as your numerator.
Let's try it!
What fraction does the point on this number line show?

​First, count the equal sections between 0 and 1. There are 4 equal sections. Each section represents 1/4 .

​So, the denominator is 4.

​Then, count the equal sections between 0 and the point. There are 3 equal sections.

​So, the numerator is 3.
The point on this number line shows 3/4 !

​Drawing fractions on a number line

To draw fractions on a number line, follow these steps:
1. Split up the number line between 0 and 1 into the number of parts shown by the denominator. Make sure each of the parts is the same size.
2. Starting at 0, count forward the number of parts shown by the numerator.
3. Mark your point on the number line.
Let's try it!
Show 6/8 on the number line.

First, look at the denominator. The denominator is 8. So, split the section of the number line between 0 and 1 into 8 equal parts. Each part represents 1/8 .

​Then, look at the numerator. The numerator is 6. So, start at 0 and count forward 6 parts.

​Mark a point. This point shows 6/8 !

​Equivalent fractions on a number line

Do you notice something about 3/4 and 6/8 ? They are in the same place on the number line!

​The fractions 3/4 and 6/8 are equivalent. Equivalent fractions are always located at the same point on the number line.

​Mixed numbers on a number line

You can use number lines to show mixed numbers, too. The number lines will go past 1, but you can use the same steps as before. Let's try it! What mixed number does this number line show? First, find the whole number part of the mixed number.

​This point is past 3 on the number line, so the whole number part is 3. Then, count the equal sections between whole numbers. There are 2 equal sections. Each section represents 1/2 .

​So, the denominator of the fraction part is 2.

​Now, count the equal sections between the point and the whole number before it. There is 1 equal section.

​Improper fractions on a number line

You can use number lines for improper fractions, too.
Let's try an example. Show 5/3 on the number line.
First, look at the denominator. The denominator is 3. So, split each whole into 3 equal parts.

​Then, look at the numerator. The numerator is 5. So, start at 0 and count forward 5 parts.

​This point shows 5/3 !