Practice Set · Part 1
Fraction Division Problem Solving
Pick up where we left off
Where we left off
Our goal: I can solve real-world problems by writing and solving fraction division equations, explain what each part stands for, and build one for a situation I have not seen before.
The big idea: Total goes first (dividend), group size goes second (divisor): total ÷ group size. Then check your answer by multiplying it back — and you can say why it is true, and where it would stop being true.
Model to copy — Watch me
- Agent Torres has 2/3 gallon of dust and each test uses 1/6 gallon. I ask: how many tests fit?
- The total 2/3 is the dividend. The size of each test 1/6 is the divisor. My equation is 2/3 ÷ 1/6.
- Keep 2/3, change to ×, flip 1/6 to 6/1: 2/3 × 6/1 = 12/3 = 4.
- So she can run 4 tests. I check by multiplying back: 4 × 1/6 = 4/6 = 2/3. It matches the total, so the answer is reasonable.
Start here
You did these with your group. Now do them on your own — the model above is yours to copy.
- 1
Same stepsFinish what the group started. Use the model above, step for step.
Try it together — then prove it: A ribbon is 3/4 yard and each bow uses 1/4 yard. The total 3/4 is the dividend; 1/4 is the divisor. Equation: 3/4 ÷ 1/4. Keep, change, flip: 3/4 × 4/1 = 12/4 = 3. So we can make 3 bows. Check: 3 × 1/4 = 3/4. It matches, so it is reasonable. Now prove it: say why that move had to work at all — not just that it did.Show your work - 2
Warm restartConvert 3 2/5 to an improper fraction.
- A15/5
- B17/5
- C6/5
- D32/5
How do you know?
- 3
Warm restartWhat is 2 1/2 ÷ 1/2?
- A5
- B4
- C1 1/4
- D2 1/4
How do you know?
- 4
Warm restartWhat is 1 1/2 ÷ 3/4?
- A1 1/8
- B3/4
- C9/8
- D2
How do you know?
Practice Set · Part 2
Fraction Division Problem Solving
Keep going
You answered these out loud. Now write them.
Answer, then say how you know — the reason is the part that counts.
- 5
Think it throughWhich equation matches the problem?
- A5/6 ÷ 1/12 = t
- B5/6 × 1/12 = t
- C1/12 ÷ 5/6 = t
- D5/6 + 1/12 = t
Why is that the answer?
- 6
Think it through5/6 ÷ 1/12 = ?
- A10
- B2
- C12
- D5/72
How do you know? Give a second reason as well.
- 7
Think it throughIs 10 tests a reasonable answer?
- AYes — each test uses far less than the total, so the answer should be well above 1
- BNo — the answer should be less than 1
- CNo — you cannot divide fractions
- DYes — because 10 is a round number
Explain your thinking. What would have to change for a different choice to be right?
- 8
Back to the modelHow do you decide which value is the dividend and which is the divisor in a word problem?
Practice Set · Part 3
Fraction Division Problem Solving
Words and reasoning
Word bank · Banco de palabras
Use the words
Fill each blank with a word from the bank.
- Name the total and the size of each group, then divide the ___ by the ___.
- A drawing or diagram that shows a math situation is a ___.
- A math sentence that says two amounts are equal, with an = sign, is an ___.
- The value that makes an equation true is the ___.
Explain the thinking
- 9
Find the mistakeAnother student made this exact mistake in this lesson. Explain why it is wrong, then write what they should have done.
The mistake: A common mistake in Fraction Division Problem Solving is reversing which fraction is the dividend and which is the divisor when setting up the equation from a word problem. - 10
Say moreWhat clue in a word problem tells you to divide fractions instead of multiply?
- 11
Write your ownWrite your own problem about this situation, then solve it and show the answer. The situation: Agent Diaz is reviewing 5/8 of an hour of security footage. She wants to place a time-stamp marker every 1/16 of an hour along the footage.
Show your work
Practice Set · Part 4
Fraction Division Problem Solving
Show what you know
Last check
These two come from Lesson 6.10. If they are shaky, that is the lesson to revisit — not this one.
- 12
Show what you knowExplain your thinking — A pipe is 3/4 meter long. Each connector piece is 3/8 meter. How many connectors fit on the pipe?
- A2
- B9/32
- C3/2
- D6
Explain your choice.
- 13
From Lesson 6.10Explain your thinking — What is 2 2/3 ÷ 2/3?
- A4
- B2/3
- C8/3
- D1 7/9
How do you know?
- 14
From Lesson 6.10Check the answer: how long are 7 pieces of 3/4 foot?
- A5 1/4 feet
- B7 feet
- C3/4 foot
- D5 3/4 feet
How do you know?
Be honest — this tells your teacher what to do next
| I can… | Not yet | Getting there | Got it |
|---|---|---|---|
| I can solve real-world problems by writing and solving fraction division equations, explain what each part stands for, and build one for a situation I have not seen before. | |||
| I can explain why it works: Total goes first (dividend), group size goes second (divisor): total ÷ group size… | |||
| I can justify my answer to a skeptic and connect it to a second strategy or representation. |
One question I want to ask my group next time