Interactive Practice: Test Yourself with Flashcards

Understanding Fractions Through Shapes

Let's start by revisiting a familiar concept. Imagine a whole as a green circle. When you divide this circle into 5 equal parts and select one of these parts, you have 1/5 of the whole. This simple exercise lays the groundwork for understanding fractions.

Applying Fractions to a Number Line

Now, let's transition this concept to a number line. Picture a number line with intervals marked between 0 and 1. Instead of dividing a circle, we'll divide the segment between 0 and 1 into 5 equal parts.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Draw a number line and label the points 0, 1, and 2.

2. Divide the segment from 0 to 1 into 5 equal sections.

Labeling Fractions on the Number Line

Each section represents a fraction:

• The first mark after 0 is 1/5.

• The second mark is 2/5.

• The third mark is 3/5.

• The fourth mark is 4/5.

• The point at 1 is 5/5, which equals 1.

This method shows that fractions are not just parts of shapes but actual numbers that can be represented on a number line.

Extending Beyond 1

You can continue this process beyond 1. For instance, dividing the segment between 1 and 2 into 5 equal parts helps you understand fractions like 6/5, 7/5, and so on.

By consistently practicing these steps, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to represent and interpret fractions on a number line.