Fraction on the Number Line

Representation of proper fraction on the number line

Let us draw a number line and mark ½ on it.

As it is clear that ½ is greater than 0 and less than 1, so it should lie between 0 and 1.

Since, the denominator of the given fraction is 2; divide the space between every pair of two consecutive integers into two equal parts.

To mark 1/2; we will start from 0 and move one part on the right-side of zero.

Example 1:

Show 3/5 on a number line.

Solution:

The given number 3/5 is greater than 0 and less than 1.

Since, the denominator of the given fraction is 5, divide the gap between 0 and 1 into 5 equal parts. To mark 3/5; we will start from 0 and move three times on the right-side of zero.

Example 2:

Show 1/4 on a number line.

Solution:

The given number 1/4 is greater than 0 and less than 1.

Since, the denominator of the given fraction is 4, divide the gap between 0 and 1 into 4 equal parts. Then, move once on the right-side of zero.

Representation of improper fraction on the number line

In order to represent improper fractions, we first convert them into mixed fractions.

Let us draw a number line and mark 8/5 on it.

We first convert 8/5 into the mixed fraction.

As it is clear thatis greater than 1 and less than 2, so it should lie between 1 and 2.

Since, the denominator of the given fraction is 5; divide the space between every pair of two consecutive integers into five equal parts.

To mark; we will start from 1 and move 3 times on the right-side of zero.

Example 3:

Show 4/3 on a number line.

Solution:

First convert 4/3 into the mixed fraction.

Hence, the given number 4/3 is greater than 1 and less than 2, so it should lie between 1 and 2.

Since, the denominator of the given fraction is 3; divide the space between every pair of two consecutive integers into three equal parts.

To mark ; we will start from 1 and move once on the right-side of zero.

Facts:

    i.     Zero divided by any number gives zero and can be shown by the point 0 on the number line. Example: 0/3 or 0/10 or 0/25 is zero.

    ii.    Number divided by number itself gives 1 and can be shown by the point 1 on the number line. Example: 3/3 or 5/5 or 17/17 is 1.

    iii.  Proper fractions lie to the left of 1 on the number line as they are less than 1.

     iv.  Improper fractions lie to the right of 1 on the number line as they are greater than 1.