Get Ready: Rational Numbers on the Number Line

Placing rational numbers (fractions and decimals) on a number line builds on locating whole numbers and simple fractions and knowing which way is bigger. Warm up reading a number line and the fraction spots fall into place.

Readiness Pre-Lesson Unit 9 · Lesson 4 Builds toward 6.NS.6
Readiness progress: 0%
Why this matters for Lesson 9-4: Placing rational numbers (fractions and decimals) on a number line builds on locating whole numbers and simple fractions and knowing which way is bigger. Warm up reading a number line and the fraction spots fall into place.
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Quick Check · 1 minute

Where should you start?

Answer these 3, then press Show my path. No grade — this just points you to the right level.

1. On a number line, where does 1/2 sit?

2. Which number is bigger: 1/2 or 1?

3. What whole number is just to the right of 3 on a number line?

🧱 Start at Level 0. We'll build this from the ground up with small steps. That's totally fine — take your time below.
🛠️ Start at Level 1. You've got the idea — a little guided practice and you'll be ready.
🚀 Start at Level 2. Your basics are strong! Do the quick warm-up and head into the lesson.
⚠️ Answer all 3 questions first, then press Show my path.
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Learn It

Fractions live between the whole numbers

A number line has whole numbers marked: 0, 1, 2, 3… Fractions sit in the spaces between them. For example, 1/2 is halfway between 0 and 1. The farther right, the bigger the number.

1/2: split the gap from 0 to 1 in two — 1/2 is the middle mark.
2 1/2: go to 2, then halfway toward 3. It sits between 2 and 3.
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Practice · Your Level

Try It

Your quick check picks one for you, but you can switch any time:

Level 0 Locate whole numbers first.

A. What whole number is 1 step right of 0?

Hint

Right after 0 comes 1.

B. What whole number comes right after 4?

Hint

4, then 5.

C. 1/2 is between 0 and which whole number?

Hint

1/2 is halfway from 0 to 1.

Level 1 Place simple fractions.

A. Where does 1/2 sit?

Hint

Split the 0-to-1 gap in half.

B. Which is greater: 1/2 or 2?

Hint

2 is farther right than 1/2.

Level 2 Stretch into mixed numbers.

A. The number 2 1/2 sits between 2 and which whole number?

Hint

2 1/2 is halfway from 2 to 3.

B. Which is bigger: 1 1/2 or 1?

Hint

1 1/2 is past 1, so it is bigger.

Exit Ticket

Show You're Ready

1. Where does 1/2 sit on the number line?

Hint

1/2 is the middle of the 0-to-1 gap.

2. 3 1/2 sits between 3 and which whole number?

Hint

3 1/2 is halfway from 3 to 4.

🎉 You're warmed up!

You've practiced exactly what Lesson 9-4 uses. Time to dive in.

Start Lesson 9-4 →