What is a Fraction?
Before we learn how to put fractions on a number line, let’s quickly remember what a fraction is.
A fraction is a way to show a part of a whole.
A fraction has two numbers:
The numerator (top number) shows how many parts you have.
The denominator (bottom number) shows how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
Example:
1/2 means 1 part out of 2 equal parts.
3/4 means 3 parts out of 4 equal parts.
What is a Number Line?
A number line is a straight line with numbers written in order.
It usually starts from 0 and goes on as far as we want: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4…
We can also put fractions between these whole numbers.
Think of it like a ruler where every small division represents equal parts.
Why Place Fractions on a Number Line?
Putting fractions on a number line helps us:
See how big or small a fraction is.
Compare fractions easily.
Understand the relationship between fractions and whole numbers.
How to Place Fractions on a Number Line?
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Draw the number line.
Start with 0 on the left and write a few whole numbers (like 1, 2, 3…) on the right.
Step 2: Look at the denominator.
The denominator tells us how many equal parts the space between two whole numbers will be divided into.
Step 3: Mark the parts.
Divide the space between 0 and 1 (or between any two whole numbers) into equal parts according to the denominator.
Step 4: Count the numerator.
Start from 0 and count forward the number of parts shown by the numerator.
That’s where your fraction is!
Example 1: Placing 1/2
1.
Draw a number line from 0 to 1.
2.
Denominator = 2 → divide the space between 0 and 1 into 2 equal parts.
3.
Numerator = 1 → count 1 part from 0.
1/2 is exactly in the middle between 0 and 1.
Example 2: Placing 3/4
1.
Draw a number line from 0 to 1.
2.
Denominator = 4 → divide the space between 0 and 1 into 4 equal parts.
3.
Numerator = 3 → count 3 parts from 0.
3/4 is close to 1 (just one step before it).
Example 3: Placing 5/4 (an improper fraction)
1.
Draw a number line from 0 to 2.
2.
Denominator = 4 → divide each whole (0 to 1, and 1 to 2) into 4 equal parts.
3.
Numerator = 5 → count 5 steps from 0.
After reaching 1 (which is 4/4), move 1 more step.
You’ll land at 5/4.
This is the same as 1 1/4.
Example 4: Comparing Fractions on a Number Line
Let’s compare 1/3 and 2/3.
1.
Draw a line from 0 to 1.
2.
Denominator = 3 → divide the space into 3 equal parts.
3.
Mark 1/3 (1 step from 0) and 2/3 (2 steps from 0).
On the number line, 2/3 is to the right of 1/3.
That means 2/3 is bigger.
Fractions Between Whole Numbers
Fractions are not only between 0 and 1 — they can be between any two whole numbers!
Example: Place 3/2.
First, note that 3/2 = 1 1/2.
Draw a number line from 0 to 2.
Between 1 and 2, divide the space into 2 equal parts (because denominator = 2).
Count 3 parts from 0 → you’ll land halfway between 1 and 2.
Special Fractions on a Number Line
Fractions equal to whole numbers
o 2/2 = 1
o 4/2 = 2
These fractions fall exactly on whole numbers!
Fractions greater than whole numbers (Improper fractions)
o Example: 7/4
