Unit 3, Lesson 11
Divide Unit Fractions by Whole Numbers
Grade 5
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
The purpose of this lesson is for students to determine the size of the piece when a unit fraction is divided into equally sized parts. Students revisit the context of a pan of macaroni and cheese from earlier lessons when they multiplied unit fractions by unit fractions. The familiar context can help students make connections between multiplication and division. Students should be encouraged to solve the problems in a way that makes sense to them. The relationship between multiplication and division is meant to be exploratory. In later lessons, students will formalize this relationship.
- Representation
None
- Describe (orally and in writing) how a diagram and division expression represent a unit fraction divided by a whole number in context.
- Represent a unit fraction divided by a whole number in a context with a diagram and present the diagram (using words and other representations).
- Let’s divide a unit fraction by a whole number.
Required Materials
Required Preparation
None
Teacher Reflection Questions
How did the student work you selected impact the direction of the discussion? What student work might you pick next time if you taught the lesson again?