Classroom · Fractions · 3rd grade

Fractions on a number line worksheets

A free five-page pack for 3rd grade: learn to place fractions on a number line, with a worked example, practice pages, word problems and an answer key.

Download the fractions on a number line pack(5 pages, color)Ink saver (B&W)

Watch it solved

44 sec · with voice and captions

A pencil works one example of each activity, so you can see how the worksheet goes before you print it. Tap a step to jump to it. The rest of the sheet is left for your child to finish.

Read what the video says

0:00 Let's practice fractions on a number line, step by step.
0:04 On a number line, split the space from 0 to 1 into equal jumps. If there are 4 jumps, each jump is 1/4.
0:13 What fraction is shaded? There are 4 equal parts, and 3 are shaded. That's 3/4.
0:19 This number line has 3 equal parts, so each jump is 1/3. Count the jumps: 1/3, 2/3.
0:27 Word problems. Aisha walks 1 mile to school. After 3/4 of a mile, how much farther is it? The answer is 1/4 of a mile.
0:37 Great job! Now print the free worksheet, and finish the rest on your own.

How to do it

Split the space from 0 to 1 into equal jumps. If there are 4 jumps, each one is 1/4. The second mark is 2/4, and 4/4 lands on 1.

Teaching tip

Use masking tape on the floor as a number line. Children walk the jumps and say the fraction at each stop.

Try some

Tap to check3/4
Tap to check4/8
Tap to check1/2
Tap to check3/4
Tap to check6/8
Tap to check2/3
Tap to check4/6
Tap to check2/6

Word problems

Aisha walks 1 mile to school. After 3/4 of a mile, how much farther is it?Show answer

1/4 of a mile

A number line from 0 to 1 is split into 6 equal parts. What is the first mark after 0?Show answer

1/6

A snail crawls 2/8 of a path, then another 3/8. Where is it now on a number line from 0 to 1?Show answer

5/8

Which is closer to 1 on a number line: 2/3 or 1/3?Show answer

2/3

What the worksheets look like

Fractions on a number line worksheet: how fractions work, then shapes to name — Page 1: how fractions work, then shapes to name

Fraction wall

Strips for one whole, halves, thirds and so on to twelfths, to compare and find equal fractions.

Template(1 page, color)Ink saver (B&W)

Common questions

How do you teach fractions on a number line?

Split the space from 0 to 1 into equal jumps. If there are 4 jumps, each one is 1/4. The second mark is 2/4, and 4/4 lands on 1. Use masking tape on the floor as a number line. Children walk the jumps and say the fraction at each stop.

What grade learns fractions on a number line?

Usually 3rd grade. In the Common Core it is part of 3.NF.A.2.

Is there an answer key?

Yes. Page 5 has every answer from the pack and a short teaching tip.