Compare and describe lengths using knowledge of division

I can compare and describe lengths using knowledge of division.

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Year 5

Compare and describe lengths using knowledge of division

I can compare and describe lengths using knowledge of division.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Lengths can be compared using division.
The stem sentence, 'The ___ is ___ times the length of the ___' can be used to compare and describe lengths.
Comparisons of length can be represented as multiplication equations with a fractional multiplier.

Common misconception

Children are more familiar with multiplication resulting in an increase and so may not accept that it can also result in a decrease.

When we multiply by a unit fraction, it is the same as dividing the whole by the denominator. This results in a decrease in length.

Keywords

Times the length/height/depth - Times the length/height/depth is a phrase that is used to compare and describe lengths or heights. For example, one tree might be three times the height of another tree; it is three times as tall.
Unit fraction - A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is one.

Note that typically we would say ‘the spotty ribbon is one-third the length of the plain ribbon’. However, '... is one-third times the length ...' should be used to draw attention to the structure and to link to the multiplication equation. Practical experiences should be offered where possible.

Teacher tip

Licence

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