Students will be able to identify and represent fractions equal to whole numbers on a number line.
Understanding that fractions can represent whole numbers helps us see how different parts combine to make a whole, just like building blocks! This skill makes understanding bigger math ideas easier.
4th Grade Students
30 minutes
Interactive slides, guided practice, and independent worksheet.
15 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
5 minutes
No credit card needed
How can fractions be whole numbers too?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about what a number line is used for.
• A fraction represents a part of a whole.
• It has a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).
• The denominator tells us how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
• The numerator tells us how many of those parts we have.
Briefly review what a fraction is (part of a whole, numerator/denominator). Ask for examples.
• Yes! When the numerator is the same as the denominator, the fraction equals ONE WHOLE.
• Think of it like having all the pieces of a pizza!
• Examples: 2/2, 3/3, 4/4...
Introduce the idea that fractions can equal whole numbers. Use a simple example like 2/2. Draw a number line on the board and illustrate.
• Imagine a number line from 0 to 2.
• If we divide each whole into 2 equal parts, what do we get?
• 0/2, 1/2, 2/2 (which is 1 whole!), 3/2, 4/2 (which is 2 wholes!)
Show how to represent 1 and 2 on a number line using halves. Emphasize counting the segments.
• Now, let's divide each whole into 3 equal parts.
• 0/3, 1/3, 2/3, 3/3 (which is 1 whole!), 4/3, 5/3, 6/3 (which is 2 wholes!)
• Notice the pattern: when the numerator is a multiple of the denominator, it's a whole number!
Show how to represent 1 and 2 on a number line using thirds. Reinforce the concept.
• You're going to use what you've learned to locate and identify fractions that equal whole numbers on a number line.
• Let's practice a few together on your Worksheet: Fraction to Whole Match-Up!
Set up the practice activity. Explain that students will be working on a worksheet to apply what they've learned.
Instructions: Look at the number line below. Fill in the missing whole numbers where the arrows are pointing.
<---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 ? ? ? 4
Bonus Question: What number comes right after 4 on this number line?
Instructions: For each number line, identify the fraction that represents the given whole number. Then, draw and label the fraction on the number line.
What fraction equals 1 whole if the number line is divided into halves?
<---|---|---|---|---|
0 1/2 ? 3/2 2
Fraction for 1 whole: ___________
Draw and label on the number line above.
What fraction equals 2 wholes if the number line is divided into thirds?
<---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 1 ? 3
Fraction for 2 wholes: ___________
Draw and label on the number line above.
Draw a number line from 0 to 2. Divide each whole into fourths. Then, circle the fraction that represents 1 whole and box the fraction that represents 2 wholes.
Which of these fractions is equal to a whole number? Circle all that apply.
Explain in your own words how you know when a fraction represents a whole number.
What fraction equals 1 whole if the number line is divided into halves?
<---|---|---|---|---|
0 1/2 (2/2) 3/2 2
Fraction for 1 whole: 2/2
Thought Process: The number line is divided into halves. 1 whole means we have both halves, so 2/2 is equal to 1. On the number line, 2/2 is located exactly where 1 is.
What fraction equals 2 wholes if the number line is divided into thirds?
<---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 1/3 2/3 (3/3) 4/3 5/3 (6/3) 3
Fraction for 2 wholes: 6/3
Thought Process: The number line is divided into thirds. To get to 2 wholes, we need 3/3 for the first whole and another 3/3 for the second whole. 3 + 3 = 6, so 6/3 equals 2. On the number line, 6/3 is located exactly where 2 is.
Draw a number line from 0 to 2. Divide each whole into fourths. Then, circle the fraction that represents 1 whole and box the fraction that represents 2 wholes.
<---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 1/4 2/4 3/4 (4/4) 5/4 6/4 7/4 [8/4]
Thought Process: To divide into fourths, each whole (from 0 to 1, and 1 to 2) should have 4 equal parts. One whole is 4/4. Two wholes would be 4/4 + 4/4 = 8/4.
Which of these fractions is equal to a whole number? Circle all that apply.
4/4 3/5 6/2 1/3 7/7
Thought Process: A fraction is equal to a whole number if the numerator is a multiple of the denominator (or the numerator and denominator are the same).
Explain in your own words how you know when a fraction represents a whole number.
Sample Answer: I know a fraction represents a whole number when the top number (numerator) is the same as the bottom number (denominator), or when the top number can be divided evenly by the bottom number. This means you have enough parts to make one or more full wholes.
Instructions: Answer the following questions to show what you learned today.
Draw a number line from 0 to 2. Divide each whole into halves. Then, mark and label the fraction that is equal to 1 whole.
Is the fraction 9/3 equal to a whole number? Explain how you know.
What is one new thing you learned about fractions and whole numbers today?