Another way to represent the numbers in between whole numbers is by using fractions. All rational numbers can be written as a fraction with one integer—called the numerator—on the top and another integer—called the denominator—on the bottom. These fractions represent parts of a whole number. In the following applet, you can make a visual image of these fractions by shading in part of a square.

This activity might not be viewable on your mobile device.Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Click on the image below to access the activity. You will divide the square into equal-sized pieces and then click to shade the part of the square that is the same as the fraction shown.

Source: Fraction sorter, Shodor

Instructions

  1. Use the +Col, -Col, +Row, and –Row buttons to divide the square into the same number of equal-sized pieces as the denominator of the fraction (or a simpler equivalent fraction).

  2. Click to shade the same number of these pieces as the numerator.

  3. Click the check button to see if you have correctly represented the fraction.

  4. Drag the fraction into the empty square below it to see the fraction plotted on the number line.

  5. Repeat for 5 pairs of fractions.

On a piece of paper, fill in the following chart:

Fraction 1 picture Fraction 2 picture Which was greater?
         
         
         
         
         

In your notes, list two things that you noticed about what makes one fraction have a greater value than another fraction.

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