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Find 2/3


Alignments to Content Standards: 3.NF.A.2

Task

Label the point where \frac23 belongs on the number line. Be as exact as possible.


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IM Commentary

This simple-looking problem reveals much about how well students understand unit fractions as well as representing fractions on a number line.

First students must locate 1 by repeatedly marking off the length of the interval between 0 and \frac14, recognizing that \frac44 = 1. Students must then partition the interval between 0 and 1 into 3 equal parts and identify which of those points represent \frac23.

Many students will find it easier to do this on two separate number lines, but a few may be able to do it on a single number line. The solutions below reflect these two approaches.

The following lists related tasks in order of sophistication:

  • Locating Fractions Less than One on the Number Line
  • Locating Fractions Greater than One on the Number Line
  • Closest to \frac12
  • Find 1
  • Find \frac23
  • Which is Closer to 1?

Solutions

Solution: Two number lines

Students may choose to label none, some or all of the points they find on the the number line on the way to solving the problem. A correct solution only requires that the point \frac23 be labeled.

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Solution: One number line

Students may choose to label none, some or all of the points they find on the the number line on the way to solving the problem. A correct solution only requires that the point \frac23 be labeled.

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