CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.A
The standard
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
What this standard means
Students need to understand division of fractions as finding how many groups fit, not just memorizing “keep, change, flip.” They should draw models, use number lines, write equations, and connect division to multiplication with the unknown factor idea.
Mastery looks like choosing a strategy, explaining why the quotient makes sense, and solving word problems with correct units. Students often get stuck when both numbers are fractions, when the quotient is greater than the dividend, or when they cannot tell which number is being divided.
Ways to teach it
- Give students fraction strips and ask them to find how many one-fourths fit into three-halves, then record the equation.
- Ask students to explain why three-fourths divided by one-eighth is greater than three-fourths using a drawing or words.
- Use an exit ticket with two problems: one fraction division equation and one matching word problem students must solve and label.
- Have students scale a half-batch recipe by asking how many one-sixth cup servings can be made from two-thirds cup of sugar.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.A
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.4
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction or whole number by a fraction.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.7
Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a whole number.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions.