School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Mathematics, Grade 4

Algebra | Geometry | Measurement | Statistics | Probability | Number | Processes
Clarifications: Each clarification provides an explanation of the indicator/objective to help teachers better understand the concept. Classroom examples are often included to further illustrate the concept. While classroom examples could be shared with the students, the intended audience for the explanation/clarification is the classroom teacher-not the student. In addition, classroom examples may or may not reflect the assessment limits.

Standard 1.0 Knowledge of Algebra, Patterns, and Functions

Topic C. Numeric and Graphic Representations of Relationships

Indicator 1. Locate points on a number line and in a coordinate grid

Objective a. Represent mixed numbers and proper fractions on a number line

  • Use proper fractions with a denominators of 6, 8, or 10

Clarification

All number lines should have arrows on each end to indicate that the number line continues in both directions infinitely. A line segment with no arrows is an incorrect representation of a number line.

geometric image

It is also important to make sure that the tick marks are equally spaced on the number line regardless of whether you are counting by 1, or any other multiple.

Classroom Example 1

Mark the point on the number line that represents the shaded part of this figure. Explain why you are correct.

geometric image

Possible Answer:
7 out of 10 squares are shaded.
Starting at 0, count over 7 tick marks.
This lands you on the 7th tick mark of 10, or .

geometric image

Classroom Example 2

geometric image

What number is represented by K on the number line? Use what you know about fractions and number lines to explain why your answer is correct.

Possible Answer: K is 1 because the number line is marked in increments of starting with 0 and going to 2. K comes after 1 (one whole) on the number line. It is the eighth tick mark on the number line which would be or 1.
/toolkit/vsc/clarification/mathematics/grade4/1C1a.xml
Resources for Objective 1.C.1.a:
CLARIFICATIONS | Sample Assessments |