Fraction Number Line

Partition equal whole intervals and locate fractions between zero and two.

Grades 3–5 · Math

Explore one idea

Fraction Number Line

Your goal

Place the marker at 1/2. Both whole-number intervals must stay the same length.

1 of 3
Equal whole intervals from zero to two partitioned into 4 parts per whole; marker at 0/4One wholeOne equal whole0/41/42/43/44/45/46/47/48/4Locate 1/2Your marker 0/4

Reduced motion is on. The controls still update the scene.

The marker is 0/4, which is 0 whole and 0/4. Each small interval is 1/4.

Parts in each whole

Changing the partition returns the marker to zero. Equivalent fractions land at the same position; whole sizes never change.

Learn with Fraction Number Line

Fraction Number Line helps upper elementary learners treat fractions as numbers with locations. Choose how many equal intervals make one whole, then move a marker by counting intervals from zero. Two whole intervals always have equal lengths, so fractions beyond one remain on the same scale. The scene labels each partition and the feedback describes whole and fractional parts. Nine goals include halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighths. Equivalent representations reach the same position, giving children a visual reason to compare fractions by magnitude.

What to look for

Keep the whole fixed

Both whole intervals have exactly the same length.

Count intervals

The numerator counts intervals from zero, including intervals after one.

Try another partition

Equivalent fractions should land at the same place after repartitioning.

For teachers and curious learners

Interpret a fraction as a position measured from zero. Ask students to predict what will happen, change one setting, and explain what they observe. Learn gives a starting point. Practice and Challenge offer new goals with the same scene.

Exact rational comparisons use integer cross products. The line covers zero through two; partition choices are 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 equal intervals per whole. Repartitioning resets the marker.

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