Number Line: Fractions [TEKS Tools Grade 3]

This post specifically looks at how number lines can be used to compare, represent, and show equivalent fractions. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here.

Number Lines

Number lines, the second TEKS Tool, account for around 22% of each 3rd grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many uses: representing and comparing fractions, interpreting number pair relationships, and solving problems involving rounding and the operations.

The main function of a number line is to show the relationship between fractional quantities, number pairs, or as a tool for rounding and estimation. By visualizing these quantities on number lines, students can better make sense of the how the quantities are related.

Fractions

Fractions can be visualized with a variety of models. Using number lines provides a consistent tool that students can become very comfortable with provided sufficient practice.

3.3B - determine the corresponding fraction greater than zero and less than or equal to one with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 given a specified point on a number line

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2025-3: students had to interpret a point on a number line as a fraction

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3.3E - solve problems involving partitioning an object or a set of objects among two or more recipients using pictorial representations of fractions with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8

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2025-19 : students had to partition an object and represent the solution as a fraction

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3.3F - represent equivalent fractions with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 using a variety of objects and pictorial models, including number lines

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2023-30: students had to find two equivalent fractions

2024-23: students had to find two equivalent fractions

2025-18: students had to find an equivalent fraction

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3.3G - explain that two fractions are equivalent if and only if they are both represented by the same point on the number line or represent the same portion of a same size whole for an area model

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2023-18: students had to explain why a point on a number line could represent equivalent fractions

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3.3H - compare two fractions having the same numerator or denominator in problems by reasoning about their sizes and justifying the conclusion using symbols, words, objects, and pictorial models

Students can reason about the size of fractional units based on their numerators and denominators. Additionally, visualizing the fractions on number lines enriches conceptual understanding.

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2023-1: students had to compare two fractions that have the same numerator and show the comparison with symbols

2023-23: students had to compare fractions that either have the same numerator or the same denominator

2024-25: students had to compare two fractions with the same numerator and explain their reasoning

2025-15: students had to compare fractions with the same numerator and show the comparison with symbols