5.3.J 5.3.L

Divide Whole Numbers & Unit Fractions 5th Grade

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 5.3.J
represent division of a unit fraction by a whole number and the division of a whole number by a unit fraction such as 1/3 ÷ 7 and 7 ÷ 1/3 using objects and pictorial models, including area models;
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 5.3.L
divide whole numbers by unit fractions and unit fractions by whole numbers.

When dividing a unit fraction by a whole number, it can help
to think of dividing the unit fraction into equal parts.

One way to divide

\frac{1}{5}

by 6 is to think of it as

\frac{1}{5}

divided into 6 equal parts.

First, represent

\frac{1}{5}

with a model.

Then, divide the part of the model that represents

\frac{1}{5}

into 6 equal parts.

→

One of these parts represents

\frac{1}{30}

of the original whole.

So,

\frac{1}{5} \div 6 = \frac{1}{30}

When dividing a whole number by a unit fraction, it can help to think of
how many times the unit fraction can fit into the whole number.

One way to divide 5 by

\frac{1}{3}

is to think of it as, "How many

\frac{1}{3}

's are in 5?"

Next, divide each whole into

\frac{1}{3}

's, which is the same as dividing each whole into three equal parts.

Then, count the number of

\frac{1}{3}

's. There are fifteen

\frac{1}{3}

's in 5.

So,

5 \div \frac{1}{3} = 15

Divide Whole Numbers & Unit Fractions