Big Ideas:
A fraction division calculation can be changed into an equivalent multiplication calculation.( a/b ÷ c/d = a/b x d/c, where b, c, and d = 0).
Multiplication and division are inverse operations.
In preparation for division with fractions, students need to understand the relationship between multiplication and division. Although the “invert and multiply” procedure provides an accurate quotient, it does not promote deep conceptual understanding. Since division of a whole number by a whole number is the same as multiplying the number by its inverse--a unit fraction--students can reason that dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its inverse or reciprocal.
Vocabulary: quotient, divisor, dividend, inverse operations
Special Materials:
graph paper
Lesson plan