Concept

A fraction is a part of a whole 

partwhole

A benchmark fraction is easy to visualize and helps in estimating the parts of a whole. The benchmark fractions are 0, 12, and 1.

Rule

To round a fraction to the nearest half:
 1. Draw a number line with zero to the far left and the number 1 to the far right.
 2. Divide the number line into parts of a whole. The parts are the same as the denominator in the fraction that is being rounded.
 3. Number the parts.
 4. Find the fraction that is being rounded on the number line.
 5. Determine if the fraction is closest to the benchmarks 0, 12, and 1.

Example

Round 78 to the nearest half.

Solution

Answer: 1

To round a fraction to the nearest half:

1. Draw a number line with zero to the far left and the number 1 to the far right.

2. Divide the number line into parts of a whole. The parts are the same as the denominator in the fraction that is being rounded. (In this case, divide the number line into 8 parts).

3. Number the parts 18 through 88. Notice 88 is the same as one whole.
 
4. Find the fraction that is being rounded on the number line. 

5. Determine if the fraction is closest to the benchmarks 0, 12, or 1. 

78 is closest to 1

Pre-requisite Skills

Number Lines (3.12.10)

Graphing Fractions on a number line (4.14.4)