Lesson 12
Equivalent Fractions on a Number Line
Lesson Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is for students to use the number line to determine whether fractions are equivalent.
Lesson Narrative
In previous lessons, students learned that two fractions are equivalent if they are the same size. In this lesson, students work with situations that involve lengths to build their understanding that fractions at the same location on a number line are equivalent. Number lines are provided to ensure that if students choose to use two number lines to demonstrate equivalence, they work with the same length interval for 1 unit.
- Engagement
- MLR8
Activity 2: Locate and Pair
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Identify and generate equivalent fractions.
- Understand two fractions as equivalent if they are at the same point on a number line.
Student Facing
- Let’s find fractions at the same location.
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Required Preparation
Activity 3:
- Each group of 2 needs 6 number cubes.
CCSS Standards
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 10 min |
| Activity 2 | 10 min |
| Activity 3 | 15 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
In this lesson, students use number lines to show that fractions are equivalent. How did their previous work with diagrams and fraction strips prepare them to do this?
Suggested Centers
- Number Line Scoot (2–3), Stage 3: Halves, Thirds, Fourths, Sixths and Eighths (Addressing)
- Secret Fraction (3), Stage 1: Building Non-Unit Fractions (Addressing)