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How to Graph Fractions Vs. Integers

An integer is defined as a number lacking a fractional or decimal part. Basically, integers are just whole numbers that can be either positive, negative, or zero. For instance, -5 is an integer, but -2/5 and 5.3 are not, because the latter consist of fractions and decimals. Graphically, fractions represent points between two integers. For example, 5-and-a-half is midway between 5 and 6. Fractions and integers can both be graphed together on a single number line. Doing so, however, requires a working knowledge of the concept of a fraction, including comparing and ordering fractions along with integers, as well as a general understanding of the layout of number lines.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw a number line. Use a ruler or straightedge to trace a straight horizontal line across a sheet of paper. Place arrows at either end.

    • 2

      Label the number line according to the lowest and highest integers that you've been asked to graph. Numbers on a number line decrease moving toward the left and increase moving toward the right, with the smallest number located farthest to the left and the largest number located farthest right. A mark for "0" (zero) separates negative numbers from positive ones. Make a tick mark for each integer, beginning with one less than the smallest number in the set and ending with one greater than the largest number in the set. For instance, suppose you are asked to graph the following four numbers: -6 2/3; -4; 1/2; and 3. The lowest number is -6 2/3, so make "-7" your left-most tick mark; the highest number is 3, so make "4" your right-most tick mark. Include one tick mark and label for each integer in between -7 and 4, for instance, -7, -6, -5, -4 and so on up until 3.

    • 3

      Reduce the fraction to lowest terms, if it isn't already in lowest terms. Divide both the numerator and denominator by their shared greatest common factor. For instance, 7/14 needs to be reduced to lowest terms. The greatest common factor of 7 and 14 is 7, so divide the numerator by 7 to get 1 and the denominator by 7 to get 2. Thus, 7/14 reduces to 1/2. Alternatively, use a calculator to convert the fraction to a decimal. To do this, divide the fraction's numerator by its denominator. The example, 7/14, becomes 0.5, which can be rewritten as the fraction 1/2.

    • 4

      Make a dot for each fraction or integer on the number line according to their value. Plot integers directly on their tick marks, and fractions in between two integers. Consider again the numbers from the second step: -6 2/3; -4; 1/2; and 3. First plot the integers, -4 and 3, by placing a dot at -4 and 3 on the number line. Then plot the fractions, -6 2/3 and 1/2, by placing dots the appropriate distance between the appropriate numbers on the number lines. For instance, -6 2/3 lies on the left end of the number line, between -7 and -6. However, its fractional part, 2/3, indicates that it is closer to -7 than -6, so place the dot further from the -6 and nearer to the -7. For 1/2, draw a dot exactly halfway between the integers 1 and 2 on the number line.

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