Divide Unit Fractions by Whole Numbers (Grade 5)

Videos, examples, solutions, and lessons to help Grade 5 students learn to apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.

A. Interpret division of a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number, and compute such quotients. For example, create a story context for (1/3) & 4, and use a visual fraction model to show the quotient. Use the relationship between multiplication and division to explain that (1/3) ÷ 4 = 1/12 because (1/12) × 4 = 1/3.

B. Interpret division of a whole number by a unit fraction, and compute such quotients.For example, create a story context for 4 ÷ (1/5), and use a visual fraction model to show the quotient. Use the relationship between multiplication and division to explain that 4 ÷ (1/5) = 20 because 20 × (1/5) = 4.

C. Solve real world problems involving division of unit fractions by non-zero whole numbers and division of whole numbers by unit fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem. For example, how much chocolate will each person get if 3 people share 1/2 lb of chocolate equally? How many 1/3-cup servings are in 2 cups of raisins?

Common Core: 5.NF.7a

Suggested Learning Targets

• I can create story contexts for problems involving division of a fraction.
• I can solve problems involving division of fractions.
• I can explain or illustrate my solution using fraction models or equations.

Interpret and compute division of unit fractions by a non-zero whole number.

The following diagram shows how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number using modeling. Scroll down the page for more examples of dividing a unit fraction by a whole number.

 

Dividing Unit Fractions by Whole Numbers: 5.NF.7a
Example:
1/8 of Lucy’s garden is made up of 4 equal-sized sections for her 4 herb plants. She has basil, dill, fennel, and lavender. What fraction of the garden is made of basil?

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5.nf.7abc for teachers and parents
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) videos are designed to support states, schools, and teachers in the implementation of the CCSS. Each video is an audiovisual resource that focuses on one or more specific standards and usually includes examples/illustrations geared to enhancing understanding. The intent of each content-focused video is to clarify the meaning of the individual standard rather than to be a guide on how to teach each standard although the examples can be adapted for instructional use.

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Dividing Unit Fractions by Whole Numbers using reciprocals

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Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

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