5.3.J

Math5th Grade

The Standard

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 for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students show two division situations with fraction strips, counters, or area drawings. They split one fractional piece into equal shares, and they count how many unit fractions fit inside a whole number.

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can show that splitting 1/3 into seven equal parts makes pieces of size 1/21. The student can also show that seven wholes contain twenty-one groups of 1/3.

Common Misconceptions

Students may assume division always makes a number smaller. They may reverse the two numbers, or claim that 1/3 ÷ 7 equals 7/3 instead of 1/21.

How to Assess It

Ask students to solve 1/4 ÷ 3 and 3 ÷ 1/4. Require a labeled area model and one sentence explaining each quotient.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Fold a paper strip into fourths, shade one fourth, then split the shaded section into three equal parts to model 1/4 ÷ 3.

  2. Compare 1/5 ÷ 2 and 2 ÷ 1/5, then explain why one quotient is less than one and the other is greater.

  3. Match equation cards with area model cards and quotient cards, then check each match with a partner.

  4. A four-yard ribbon is cut into 1/3-yard pieces. Draw a model and find how many pieces can be cut.

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