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Whole Numbers as Fractions

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Whole Numbers as Fractions
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.C

Basics on the topic Whole Numbers as Fractions

Whole Numbers as Fractions

Whole numbers (1,2,3,4,...) can also be represented as a fraction ($\frac{1}{1}$, $\frac{2}{1}$, $\frac{3}{1}$,...). But how do you write whole numbers as fractions? Let’s learn more about how to write each whole number as a fraction with the following explanation.

Revision – Fractions

Fractions are a way of describing the relationship between equal parts of a whole.The numerator shows the number of equal parts we have and the denominator shows how many equal parts we need to make a whole. In the fraction, one third, we have one of the three equal parts needed to make a whole.

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Writing Whole Numbers as Fractions

We can use this same idea when thinking about whole numbers as fractions. In whole number fractions, we have enough equal parts needed to make many wholes. We show this by writing the whole number as the numerator.

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For whole numbers, it only takes one part to make a whole so one can be written as the denominator of the fraction.

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If we have three whole parts of one, we can write this as three over one, or three wholes. We could also say three divided by one equals three.

Whole Numbers as Fractions – Practice Example

To write a whole number as a fraction in 3rd grade, let’s practice by turning the whole number five into a fraction.

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Remember, when whole numbers are represented as fractions, the whole number is written as the numerator. So our first step is to write five in the numerator position. Since each number is only divided into one part, the second step is to write one in the denominator position.

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This means the number five written as a fraction is five over one. This is a simple way to write every whole number a fraction.

Whole Numbers as Fractions – Summary of Steps

This text taught you how to represent whole numbers as fractions. These are the steps to keep in mind when you want to display whole numbers as fractions:

Step # What to do
1 Write your whole number in
the numerator position.
2 Write one as the denominator.
3 The whole number is now
shown as a fraction!
  • First, write your whole number in the numerator position.

  • Second, write one as the denominator.

  • Now the whole number is shown as a fraction!

Have you practiced yet? On this website, you can also find more interactive exercises on whole number as a fraction for grade 3. You will also find worksheets and further activities to train your skills.

Transcript Whole Numbers as Fractions

Axel and Tank are collecting seashells in their bucket, but, what's this? It looks like a wave washed a bottle ashore and look! There's a note inside! Axel and Tank rush over to read it... "Turn whole numbers to fractions and you'll reveal a giant treasure the ocean once concealed." [confused about what he's just read] "Huh...what do you think that means?" Let's learn about representing... "Whole Numbers as Fractions". Remember, fractions are a way of describing the relationship between equal parts of a whole. The numerator shows the number of equal parts we have and the denominator shows how many equal parts we need to make a whole. In this fraction, we have one of the three equal parts needed to make a whole. We can use this same idea when thinking about whole numbers as fractions. In whole number fractions, we have enough equal parts needed to make many wholes. We show this by writing the whole number as the numerator. For whole numbers, it only takes one part to make a whole so one can be written as the denominator of a whole number. Here we have three whole parts of one... so three written as a fraction is three over one, or three wholes. We could also say three divided by one equals three. Let's look at one third and three over one next to each other. Even though these fractions use the same digits, we can see with models that they represent different amounts. Let's help Axel turn the whole number five into a fraction. Remember, when whole numbers are represented as fractions, the whole number is written as the numerator. So our first step is to write five here. Since each number is only divided into one part... the second step is to write one in the denominator. This means the number five written as a fraction is five over one. It's Tank's turn to write the whole number ten as a fraction. What is the first step? The first step is to write ten as the numerator. What is the second step? The second step is to write one as the denominator. That means the whole number ten written as a fraction is ten over one. Now it's time for Axel and Tank to write seven as a fraction on the note and give the bottle back to the ocean. How can Axel write the whole number seven as a fraction? Seven as a fraction is written as seven over one! Before we see what the ocean reveals, let's review! Remember, fractions are a way of describing the relationship between equal parts and a whole. Numerators tell the number of equal parts you have. Denominators tell the numbers of equal parts it takes to make a whole. For whole numbers, it usually takes one equal part to make a whole so one can be written as the denominator of a whole number fraction. You can write any whole number as a fraction in two steps. First, write your whole number in the numerator position. Second, write one as the denominator. Now the whole number is shown as a fraction! What's this? "That seashell is gargantuan!" "We're definitely gonna need a bigger bucket."

Whole Numbers as Fractions exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learned? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Whole Numbers as Fractions.
  • Label the different parts of a fraction.

    Hints

    The fraction $\frac{3}{1}$ has a numerator of 3 and a denominator of 1.

    The numerator is the top number and the denominator is the bottom number.

    Solution

    The 7 is the numerator.

    The 1 is the denominator.

  • Determine which fractions are equal to the given whole number.

    Hints

    All whole numbers written as a fraction will have a 1 in the denominator. For example, $9$ as a fraction is $\frac{9}{1}$.

    The numbers in the image ($\frac{5}{1}$ and $\frac{1}{5}$) are not equal to each other.

    In fact,

    $\frac{5}{1}=5$

    while

    $\frac{1}{5}$ is only one-fifth of a whole

    Solution

    Remember, when converting a whole number to a fraction, the whole number is the numerator and the denominator is 1. Here you will see the solution to this problem.

  • Understanding how to turn a whole number into a fraction.

    Hints

    Here are a few examples of whole numbers and their equivalent fraction.

    To write a whole number as a fraction, the whole number becomes the numerator and a one becomes the denominator.

    Solution

    Here we see the whole number of 6. When whole numbers are written as fractions, the whole number is written as the numerator. So our first step is to write the 6 in the numerator like this: $\dfrac{6}{ }$ and then add a 1 to the denominator.

  • Demonstrate your understanding of whole numbers as fractions.

    Hints

    The numerator of a whole number that has been turned into a fraction must be the same as the whole number.

    For example, the whole number 9 will also be the numerator of its equivalent fraction.

    The denominator of a whole number that has been written as a fraction is always one.

    Solution

    The following is not true: $10=\frac{1}{10}$.

    10 written as a fraction would be $\frac{10}{1}$

  • Find the whole number that is equal to a fraction.

    Hints

    The whole number is the numerator.

    The one is the denominator.

    Solution

    The fraction $\frac{15}{1}$ is equal to the whole number 15.

  • Demonstrate your understanding of whole numbers as fractions.

    Hints

    Whole numbers can be written as fractions with the whole number in the numerator and a one in the denominator.

    This formula will help you visualize how to write a whole number as a fraction.

    Solution

    The solution can be seen here. The numbers highlighted are the ones missing from the original table.