4th Grade · Measurement & Data
4.MD.B.4: Read line plots marked in fractions, like 1/4 and 1/8 inch
4.MD.B.4 is a 4th grade Common Core math standard in Measurement & Data. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions by using information presented in line plots. For example, from a line plot find and interpret the difference in length between the longest and shortest specimens in an insect collection.
In plain words
Read line plots marked in fractions, like 1/4 and 1/8 inch.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
Leila measured blades of grass in the schoolyard. The marks on the line are 1/8 inch apart. How much more must the tallest blade grow to be 3 inches tall?
- 7/8 inch
- 3/8 inch
- 1/2 inch
Where students can get stuck
- Spacing 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 as if they were equal steps apart on the number line.
- Putting 1/2 and 4/8 in different spots, so the plot shows two piles where there should be one.
- Adding the fraction values when the question asks how many, or counting the Xs when it asks for a total length.
Effective teaching strategies
- Mark a number line from 0 to 1 in eighths and have students place 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 by counting equal steps, so they see these are not equally spaced.
- Ask students to place 1/2 and 4/8 at the same spot on a line plot and explain why there is one pile of Xs and not two.
- Have students read a line plot of lengths to the nearest 1/8 inch and decide whether each question asks them to count Xs or add lengths.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 4.MD.B.4 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Eureka Math²
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Charting measurements in halves, fourths, and eighths for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice measurement and data at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.