How Can a Third Grader Identify Marks on a Number Line?

[mathdad]

Third Grade Math QuestionHow can you find what each mark represents on a number line? How does a 3rd grader answer that?

It is hard thinking like a third grader.

Here is my attemptow can you find what each mark represents on a number line?

By counting the number of marks between each pair of whole numbers.

I drew a number line here. In this number line, there is one mark between each pair of whole numbers. Each mark must shows 1/2.

0--|--1--|--2--|--3--|--4--|-->

Is this an answer that a third grader would give?

 

[HallsofIvy]

In what grade are fractions, and, in particular, 1/2, normally introduced?

Added: the "common core" introduces fractions in the third grade. So, yes, this is a reasonable third grade question.

 

[mathdad]

In what grade are fractions, and, in particular, 1/2, normally introduced?

Added: the "common core" introduces fractions in the third grade. So, yes, this is a reasonable third grade question.

Fractions are normally introduced in 5th grade unless it is an advanced third grade class. How would you answer this question as a third grader?

 

[MarkFL]

A search reveals that as HallsofIvy stated, fractions are introduced to students in the third grade according to the Common Core Standards, where they are taught (among other things):

1. Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

2. Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.

a. Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the endpoint of the part based at 0 locates the number 1/b on the number line.

b. Represent a fraction a/b on a number line diagram by marking off a lengths 1/b from 0. Recognize that the resulting interval has size a/b and that its endpoint locates the number a/b on the number line.​

If those points are taught and grasped by the student, I see no reason why a third grader couldn't understand what each mark on a number line represents. :)

 

[HallsofIvy]

Fractions are normally introduced in 5th grade unless it is an advanced third grade class. How would you answer this question as a third grader?

Well, when I was a third grader I would have answered "Uh, what?"