Representing Fractions on Tape Diagrams and Number Lines
This Grade 4 Eureka Math skill teaches students to represent fractions on both tape diagrams and number lines, connecting the two visual models. The denominator tells how many equal parts to divide the whole bar or the 0-to-1 interval, and the numerator tells how many parts to shade or mark. For example, 3/4 is shown by shading 3 of 4 equal sections on a tape diagram and marking the third tick on a number line divided into 4 equal segments. Both models align directly when used together, as covered in Chapter 22 of Eureka Math Grade 4.
Key Concepts
A fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ can be represented on a tape diagram by partitioning a whole into $b$ equal parts and shading $a$ parts. On a number line, it is the point located at the end of the $a$ th partition when the interval from 0 to 1 is divided into $b$ equal parts.
Common Questions
How do you represent a fraction on a tape diagram?
Divide the whole bar into as many equal parts as the denominator, then shade as many parts as the numerator. For 3/4, divide into 4 parts and shade 3.
How do you represent a fraction on a number line?
Divide the interval from 0 to 1 into as many equal segments as the denominator, then mark the point at the end of the segment indicated by the numerator. For 3/4, divide into 4 segments and mark the third point.
How are tape diagrams and number lines related?
They show the same fraction using aligned divisions. The shaded sections of the tape diagram correspond directly to the tick marks on the number line, both representing the same fractional value.
How do you represent 2/5 on a number line?
Divide the segment from 0 to 1 into 5 equal parts. Mark the second tick mark from zero. That point is 2/5.
What does the denominator tell you when drawing these models?
The denominator tells you how many equal pieces to divide the whole into — both the tape diagram bar and the number line interval from 0 to 1.