One place, several names
Three quarters is a number, and every number has its own place on a line. Put the dot somewhere, then cut the line a different number of ways. The dot stays exactly where it is and picks up a new name.
1 4
- In lowest terms
- 1/4
- The same place
- only this one
Cut the line into
Drag the dot along the line. It stops on the marks.
Ready to try some? Fractions on a number line worksheets
Where it usually goes wrong
A fraction is known only as parts of a pizza, so it has a size but no address, and equivalent fractions get taken to be different numbers that happen to be worth the same. They are the same number. It has one place on the line and several names, and the name you use depends on how the line has been cut.
Try this
- Put the dot on 1/4, then cut the line into 8. The dot has not moved and it is now 2/8.
- Cut into 12 and read the name again. Same place, third name.
- Find a place that only has a name when the line is cut into 3. Not every dot has a name in every cutting, which is what a common denominator is for.
Where this goes next
Comparing, adding and ordering fractions all get much easier once each one has a place, and decimals are the same line cut into tenths for good.