Skill: Place fractions on a number line

To place a fraction on a number line:

1. Look at the denominator. It tells you how many equal parts to divide each whole unit into.
2. Look at the numerator. It tells you how many of those parts to count from $0$.
3. Mark the point where you stop.

Example: Place $\frac{7}{4}$ on a number line

The denominator is $4$, so divide each whole number interval into $4$ equal parts:

$$0 \quad \frac14 \quad \frac24 \quad \frac34 \quad 1$$

Because the numerator is $7$, count $7$ fourths from $0$:

• $1$ fourth: $\frac14$
• $2$ fourths: $\frac24$
• $3$ fourths: $\frac34$
• $4$ fourths: $\frac44=1$
• $5$ fourths: $\frac54$
• $6$ fourths: $\frac64$
• $7$ fourths: $\frac74$

So $\frac74$ is $3$ fourths past $1$:

$$\frac74=1\frac34$$

On the number line, $\frac74$ is located at $1\frac34$, between $1$ and $2$, just one quarter before $2$.