Big Ideas:
When dividing a whole number by a unit fraction, think of it as "how many groups of this size will fit into that many wholes?"
Showing the division on a number line will help us see that we are finding how many parts of a certain size are in the whole(s).
This lesson introduces students to the concept of dividing a whole number by a unit fraction by partitioning a number line. The suggested method of drawing a number line will help students understand that dividing a whole number by a fraction can mean finding how many groups of that fractional size will fit into the number of wholes given. The mathematical concepts in this lesson build toward students' future work with division of fractions in sixth grade.
Vocabulary: number line, dividend, divisor, quotient, unit fraction, whole number
Special Materials:
None
Lesson plan