Number Line: Fractions [TEKS Tools Grade 4]

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 20% of each 4th 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.

4.3B - decompose a fraction in more than one way into a sum of fractions with the same denominator using concrete and pictorial models and recording results with symbolic representations

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2023-15: students had to decompose a fraction in multiple ways

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4.3C - determine if two given fractions are equivalent using a variety of methods

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2024-17 : students had to generate two equivalent fractions

2025-10: students had to generate two equivalent fractions

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4.3D - compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators and represent the comparison using the symbols >, =, or <

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2023-8: students had to find two fractions less than the given fraction

2023-26: students had to a fraction greater than the given fraction

2024-8: students had to a fraction greater than the given fraction

2024-22: students had to compare a sequence of two fractions

2025-13: students had to a fraction less than the given fraction

2025-22: students had to a fraction greater than the given fraction

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4.3E - represent and solve addition and subtraction of fractions with equal denominators using objects and pictorial models that build to the number line and properties of operations

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2023-29: students add fractions with equal denominators

2024-14: students add fractions with equal denominators

2025-27: students add fractions with equal denominators

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4.3F - evaluate the reasonableness of sums and differences of fractions using benchmark fractions 0, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1, referring to the same whole

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2023-16: two fractions were given, students had to estimate the reasonableness of the sum

2025-25: two fractions were given, students had to estimate the reasonableness of the sum taken from the whole

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4.3G - represent fractions and decimals to the tenths or hundredths as distances from zero on a number line

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2025-15: students had to represent a fraction on a number line