Year 6 - Maths
Explain how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number
Multiplication and division of fractions
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn how to multiply 2 unit fractions and 2 non-unit fractions. They will learn how to divide a unit fraction and a non-unit fraction by a whole number.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number.
Key Notes
- The partitive structure means you can think of dividing a fraction by a whole number as sharing.
- If a unit fraction is divided by a whole number the quotient is smaller than the dividend so the denominator increases.
- Dividing a number by 2 is the same as finding half of the number and this can be applied to other fractions.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Represent: To represent something means to show something in a different way.
- Dividend: The dividend is what we are dividing.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils change the division symbol to a multiplication symbol and then multiply the fraction by a whole number.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The partitive structure means you can think of dividing a fraction by a whole number as sharing. If a unit fraction is divided by a whole number the quotient is smaller than the dividend so the denominator increases.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Represent'
To represent something means to show something in a different way. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils change the division symbol to a multiplication symbol and then multiply the fraction by a whole number. Correction: The act of dividing the fraction part is highlighted within the representations provided. Ensure pupils are given time to explore how the area model represents the division and encourage pupils to create their own examples.
More Lessons In This Unit
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