Get Ready: Rational Numbers on the Number Line

Placing rational numbers (fractions and decimals) on a number line builds on locating whole numbers and simple fractions and knowing which way is bigger. Warm up reading a number line and the fraction spots fall into place.

Readiness Pre-Lesson Unit 9 · Lesson 4 Builds toward 6.NS.6
Why this matters for Lesson 9-4: Placing rational numbers (fractions and decimals) on a number line builds on locating whole numbers and simple fractions and knowing which way is bigger. Warm up reading a number line and the fraction spots fall into place.
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Words First · Review before the lesson

Words to Know First

These are words you'll need to already know to follow this lesson — not the new words the lesson teaches. Review each one, its meaning, and the example so the new lesson makes sense from the start.

number line

Level 1 A straight line with numbers marked in order from small to big.

Example: Whole numbers like 0, 1, 2, 3 are marked on a number line.

whole number

Level 1 A counting number with no fraction part: 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on.

Example: 4 is a whole number, but 4½ is not.

fraction

Level 1 A number that shows part of a whole.

Example: ½ means one of two equal parts.

halfway

Level 1 Right in the middle, the same distance from each side.

Example: ½ sits halfway between 0 and 1.

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Quick Check · 1 minute

Are the basics warm?

These check the skills you'll need for this lesson — not the new lesson itself. Answer all 3, then press Show my path. No grade — it just suggests where to start.

1. On a number line, where does 1/2 sit?

2. Which number is bigger: 1/2 or 1?

3. What whole number is just to the right of 3 on a number line?

🧱 Start at Level 0. A few basics need warming up — that's totally fine. When you open the lesson, choose Level 0 · Most support.
🛠️ Start at Level 1. You've got the idea. Open the lesson at Level 1 · Support.
🚀 Start at Level 2. Your basics are strong — jump straight in at Level 2 · Stretch.
⚠️ Answer all the questions first, then press Show my path.

🎉 You're ready!

Vocabulary previewed and basics checked. Time to start the lesson.

Start Lesson 9-4 →