Learning about rational numbers (fractions, decimals and percentages)

In Phase 1 students learn that fractions are numbers that can be represented using words, pictures, or symbols. By the end of Year 3, they will learn to identify and represent fractions (halves, thirds, fifths, sixths and eights) using equal parts of the whole and by positioning on a number line. They also learn to find a unit fraction of a group and a whole number, and add and subtract unit fractions.

Over Phase 2 students extend this learning to compare and order fractions, convert mixed numbers, and find equivalent fractions. They also learn about decimals and percentages and their relationship with fractions.

This learning is developed in Phase 3 as students add and subtract decimals to three places, and fractions with different denominators and further develop proportional reasoning.

These material masters can be used by teachers to support learning about rational numbers. They include templates for fraction circles, fraction strips and number lines.

Also included are decimats and decimal number lines.

These material masters are referred to in the ‘Teaching considerations’ section of the teaching sequences for Years 0-8.

See Materials that come with this resource to download:

• Decimal-number-line (.pdf)
• Decimal-number-line-tenths (.pdf)
• Decimats (.pdf)
• Double-Number-lines (.pdf)
• Fraction-circles (.pdf)
• Fraction-Number-lines (.pdf)
• Fraction-strips (.pdf)
• Fraction-strips-colour (.pdf)

You can find further resources:

• in the mathematics and statistics learning area.
• in the parents section of education.govt.
• using the carousel below