Fractions on a number line
Solve word problems involving distances, time intervals, liquid volumes, masses, and money using the four operations with fractions or decimals; represent with diagrams including number lines
What a learner can do afterwards
- A 2.5 kg bag of flour is split equally into 4 portions — what does each weigh?
- A journey takes 1 hr 45 min; what time do you arrive if you leave at 09:20?
- Three ribbons of 0.75 m, 1.2 m, and 0.95 m — what is the total length?
The lesson
You already know how to compare money and use decimals for tenths and hundredths. Now you'll use those same skills on real problems: measuring a journey, timing a trip, weighing ingredients, and adding up lengths. A simple diagram can help you see the parts before you calculate.
A 2.5 kg bag of flour is split equally into 4 portions. Since it's shared equally, divide: 2.5 ÷ 4 = 0.625 kg. Each portion weighs 0.625 kg.
Line up the decimal points before you add or subtract, so tenths sit under tenths. For times, add whole hours first, then add the minutes, and carry an extra hour if the minutes pass 60.
Word problems with fractions and decimals still use add, subtract, multiply, or divide - line up the decimals, or the hours and minutes, before you work it out.
Watch it
Where it sits
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.