CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.2
The standard
Interpret whole-number quotients of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 56 ÷ 8 as the number of objects in each share when 56 objects are partitioned equally into 8 shares, or as a number of shares when 56 objects are partitioned into equal shares of 8 objects each.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking
What this standard means
Students need to understand division as equal sharing and equal grouping. They should explain what each number means in a division equation, not just find the answer. For 56 divided by 8, 56 is the total, 8 might be the number of groups or the size of each group, and the answer depends on the story.
Mastery looks like matching equations, drawings, and word problems. Students can write two different stories for the same division fact. Common trouble spots are mixing up groups and group size, treating division as just “the opposite of multiplication,” and giving an answer without explaining what it represents.
Ways to teach it
- Give pairs 24 counters and ask them to show 24 divided by 6 as equal shares, then as groups of 6.
- Prompt students to write two story problems for 36 divided by 4, one about sharing and one about grouping.
- Show a drawing of 18 dots split into 3 equal groups and ask students to write the equation and label the quotient.
- Use snack bags or classroom supplies to ask how many items per bag or how many bags can be made.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.2
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.B.6
Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of op...
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.7b
Interpret division of a whole number by a unit fraction, and compute such quotients.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.1
Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.7a
Interpret division of a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number, and compute such quotients.