Fraction fiddle

Display the learning object L2800 Fraction fiddle: tool to the class on an interactive whiteboard (or projector and screen).

Screen grab from L2800 Fraction fiddle: tool.
Source: © Education Services Australia Ltd, 2011 

• Enter a fraction (e.g. $\frac{1}{3}$) and discuss how a bar can be constructed to represent that fraction.
• Point out that the length of the bar is the same as the distance between 0 and 1 on the number line, and so helps to locate the fraction on the number line. The fraction bar acts as a bridge from the typical area model for representing fractions to a linear model.
• Select another fraction (e.g. $\frac{1}{4}$) and ask students to predict what the bar diagram will look like, and where the fraction will be located on the number line. Ask questions such as:
  • Will $\frac{1}{4}$be smaller or larger than $\frac{1}{3}$?
  • Will $\frac{1}{4}$ be closer to 1 than $\frac{1}{3}$?
• Emphasise the fact that, together, the numerator and denominator form a number that has a value, and therefore a place on the number line.