Placing Fractions on Number Lines Basics

We can make a number line for any fraction we wish. Let's start with . The denominator tells us about the denominator that must be on the number line. We'll use 5 for the number line denominator. On this number line, one whole written as a fraction is .

Let's try putting a fraction on a number line. If the fraction has a denominator of 7, we will use a number line with a denominator of 7.

The fraction for the first whole number tells us how many parts are in each whole. There are seven parts in each whole on this number line. The top number (numerator) tells us how many parts are in the fraction. Think of a circle. If you draw a line across the middle of the circle, you now have two parts of a circle. Two parts of the circle make the whole. To place a fraction with 7 in the denominator, divide each whole number into seven parts. Where would you put on the number line? The fraction falls between one whole, or , and two wholes, or , on the number line because it has 9 parts. One whole has 7 parts, and two wholes have 14 parts.