Line Plots with Fractions
Aligned to 4.MD.B.4 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
A line plot shows measurements as X marks above a number line. When measurements are fractions, the number line is labeled in fractions of a unit. You can read the plot to compare amounts or find totals.
Worked examples
Example 1
Pencils measure 1/4, 2/4, 2/4, and 3/4 inch. Above 2/4 there are two X marks, and above 1/4 and 3/4 there is one X each. To find how much longer the longest is than the shortest: 3/4 - 1/4 = 2/4 inch.
Example 2
Five ribbons measure 1/8, 3/8, 3/8, 5/8, and 5/8 inch. Two X's go above 3/8 and two above 5/8, one above 1/8.
Example 3
Add the two shortest ribbons: 1/8 + 3/8 = 4/8 inch, which is half an inch.
Practice questions
- Three ribbons are 1/8, 3/8, and 3/8 inch. Draw a line plot with X marks.
- Using those ribbons, how much longer is the longest than the shortest?
- Four leaves are 2/4, 2/4, 1/4, and 3/4 inch long. What is the total length of all four?
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Diagramas de puntos con fracciones
Un diagrama de puntos muestra medidas como marcas X arriba de una recta numérica. Cuando las medidas son fracciones, la recta se rotula en fracciones de una unidad. Puedes leer el diagrama para comparar cantidades o hallar totales.
Ejemplo 1: Unos lápices miden 1/4, 2/4, 2/4 y 3/4 de pulgada. Arriba de 2/4 hay dos marcas X, y arriba de 1/4 y 3/4 hay una X en cada uno. Para hallar cuánto más largo es el más largo que el más corto: 3/4 - 1/4 = 2/4 de pulgada.
Ejemplo 2: Cinco listones miden 1/8, 3/8, 3/8, 5/8 y 5/8 de pulgada. Van dos X encima de 3/8, dos encima de 5/8 y una encima de 1/8.
Ejemplo 3: Suma los dos listones más cortos: 1/8 + 3/8 = 4/8 de pulgada, o sea media pulgada.
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