Number Line Talk, Tasks, and Practice Pages
NLT Video 3.5 A2 — Measure to Label and Locate Mixed Numbers
NLT Objectives
This Number Line Talk targets the following essential concepts and strategies:
Mixed numbers are measured and labeled on number lines using 1-bars and unit-fraction-bars.
Mixed numbers and fractions are equivalent if they measure from zero to the same point on the number line.
Conceptual Overview
This Number Line Talk explores the use of measurement bars to locate and label mixed numbers on number lines. Unit fraction bars and fraction strips are used to measure fractions greater than 1. Then, 1-bars and unit-fraction-bars are used to measure and label the same point with a mixed number.
In the example below, seven 1/4-bars are used to measure from zero to 7/4 on the number line. Then, a 1-bar and three 1/4-bars are used to measure and label the same point as 1 3/4. Since both numbers measure from zero to the same point, 7/4 is equal to 1 3/4.
When a mixed number is measured and labeled first, there are multiple methods for identifying the equivalent fraction. Since mixed numbers have just been introduced, measuring with unit-fraction-bars or skip counting with the fraction strip should be the primary method for labeling the equivalent fraction. But, some students may offer more advanced strategies. For example, in the mixed number 3 2/5, three groups of five 1/5-bars or 15/5 measure from zero to 3. Then, two more 1/5-bars measure to 17/5. Notice that skip counting with the fraction strips encourages this more advanced multiplication strategy. This progression of strategies—counting unit-fraction-bars, skip-counting, and multiplying—will help prepare students to understand the procedure for rewriting a mixed number as an equivalent fraction,
Related Professional Learning Videos
Represent Fractions and Mixed Numbers Using Measurement Bars
Materials List for Number Line Talk
The following number line segments and measurement bars are used in this Number Line Talk.
These resources are available in the Grade 3 Number Line Measurement Manipulative Kit for magnetic whiteboards, which can be purchased on this website. Printable versions of the bars and fraction strips can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.
NLT Materials List: Measurement Bars and Fractions Strips
PDFs for Printable Whiteboard Manipulative Kit
Print these PDFs on white card stock. Print two copies of the fraction bars page. Then, use an accurate paper cutter to cut out the individual unit fraction bars and whole fraction strips. Finally, cut short strips of adhesive magnetic sheets and mount them on the back of each bar and strip. Use a long enough piece of adhesive magnet to firmly hold the bar in place on a whiteboard. Note that adhesive magnetic sheets can be purchased online or through an arts supply vendor.
Note: Once you have drawn a 48-inch line on a whiteboard, use one of the fraction strips to measure and draw the tick marks. This will ensure that the fraction bars and strips measure accurately on the number line.
Click on the image to download a PDF.
Note that Magnetic Manipulative Kits for number lines can be purchased from Essential Math Concepts. These kits include foam measurement bars that are easy for students to line up end-to-end to accurately measure fractions on number lines. These kits also include magnetic number line strips that allow teachers to quickly and accurately build a number line on a 48-inch whiteboard.
The printed versions of the measurement bars are more difficult to line up accurately below a number line, but the cost of the kit is negligible.
Video Overview and Instructional Notes
Click on the image to download a PDF.
The Video Overview and Instructional Notes outline the instructional highlights of this Number Line Talk and lists the essential strategies and concepts that are introduced or reviewed. In addition, video pause points with instructional notes identify important representations, strategies, and concepts and offer suggestions for leading the Challenge discussions with students.
VOIN for Number Line Talk 3.5 A2
Click on image to download PDF
Daily Number Line Tasks
The Daily Number Line Tasks can be represented on the whiteboard so students entering the classroom can review and complete the task. Then, to start class, students can share strategies to measure and label points on the number line. This brief activity allows teachers to review important concepts and strategies introduced in the Number Line Talk Video and applied on the Number Line Practice Pages.
Daily Number Line Tasks—3.5 A2
Number Line Practice Pages
The Number Line Practice Pages challenge students to apply the concepts and strategies that were introduced in the Number Line Talks and reviewed in each Daily Number Line Task.
Measurement-Bar Ruler
Students will use the rulers to complete some Number Line Practice Pages. A PDF of a set of rulers is included as the last page of the PDF for the Practice Pages. Print these rulers using the same printer/copier used to print the Practice Pages. Then, use a paper cutter to cut out and trim the rulers. This process ensures that the printed size of the rulers and Practice Pages are the same so that rulers measure accurately on the Practice Pages.
PDF of Number Line Practice Pages and Printable Rulers —NLT 3.5 A2
Click on image to download PDF
