Line plots with halves and fourths
Every ruler your child picks up becomes a lesson in fractions once they can measure to the quarter inch, since a ruler is a number line split into halves and fourths. In 4th grade they measure to eighths of an inch and use line plots to answer questions, such as how much longer the longest leaf is than the shortest. Accurate measuring is also useful in crafts, building projects, and cooking.
In this video, your child will learn to make line plots with fractions of inches.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Which length did the most leaves have?
Example 2
How many crayons are longer than one and a half inches?
Your child's turn
How many ribbons are longer than 2½ inches?
The three key steps
- 1Count the fourths past the inch.
- 2Put an X above each length.
- 3Count the X's to answer.
Mistakes to listen for
- Lining up the object with the end of the ruler instead of the 0 mark, so every measurement is a little off.
- Confusing half-inch and quarter-inch marks, reading the mark halfway between 2 and 3 as 2 1/4 instead of 2 1/2.
- Spacing the line plot unevenly or leaving out fractions with no data, which makes the plot misleading.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to measuring to the nearest quarter inch →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
Join the clubMore kid-friendly lessons
More 3rd grade Measurement & Data, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice measuring to the nearest quarter inch, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to measuring to the nearest quarter inch has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice measuring to the nearest quarter inch
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on measuring to the nearest quarter inch and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
Join the club