Number Lines: Fractions [TEKS Tools Grade 5]

This post specifically looks at how number lines can be used to solve fractional problems involving the four operations. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here.

Number Lines

Number lines, the second TEKS Tool, account for around 22% of each 5th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many uses: representing and solving fraction operations, interpreting number pair relationships, and solving problems involving rounding and the operations.

The main function of a number line is to solve problems involving the four operations, understand 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

Fractional operations 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.

5.3H - represent and solve addition and subtraction of fractions with unequal denominators referring to the same whole using objects and pictorial models and properties of operations

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2023-9: two fractional quantities were represented, students had to write an expression representing the operation

2025-3: two fractional quantities were represented, students had to solve for the difference

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5.3J - represent division of a unit fraction by a whole number and the division of a whole number by a unit fraction such as 1/3 ÷ 7 and 7 ÷ 1/3 using objects and pictorial models, including area models

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2023-12: an expression was given, students had to find the matching representation