Divide Unit Fractions & Whole Numbers

Front

What is a unit fraction?

Back

A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is a positive integer, such as 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4.

Front

How do you divide a whole number by a unit fraction?

Back

To divide a whole number by a unit fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction. For example, 6 ÷ 1/5 = 6 * 5 = 30.

Front

What does the expression 6 ÷ 1/3 represent?

Back

It represents how many pieces of ribbon, each 1/3 foot long, can be cut from a 6-foot long ribbon.

Front

If Mr. Samuels cuts a 12-foot board into pieces that are each 1/3 foot long, how many pieces does he have?

Back

He has 36 pieces because 12 ÷ (1/3) = 12 * 3 = 36.

Front

What is the result of 1/4 ÷ 5?

Back

The result is 1/20 because dividing by a whole number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal: 1/4 * 1/5 = 1/20.

Front

How many muffins can Jason make with 2 cups of batter if each muffin requires 1/4 cup?

Back

Jason can make 8 muffins because 2 ÷ (1/4) = 2 * 4 = 8.

Front

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

Back

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 1/3 is 3/1.

Front

What is the relationship between division and multiplication in fractions?

Back

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. For example, a ÷ (b/c) = a * (c/b).

Front

How can you visualize dividing a whole number by a fraction?

Back

You can visualize it by thinking of how many times the fraction fits into the whole number. For example, how many 1/4s fit into 1.

Front

What is a common mistake when dividing fractions?

Back

A common mistake is to multiply the fractions instead of using the reciprocal. Remember to flip the second fraction.