Explain how dividing by a whole number relates to multiplying by a unit fraction

I can explain how dividing by a whole number relates to multiplying by a unit fraction.

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Year 5

Explain how dividing by a whole number relates to multiplying by a unit fraction

I can explain how dividing by a whole number relates to multiplying by a unit fraction.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Multiplying a number by a unit fraction is equivalent to dividing the number by the denominator of the fraction.
The whole has been divided into 4 equal parts describes dividing into 4 quarters.
The whole has been divided into 4 equal parts describes dividing by 4 (sharing).

Common misconception

Pupils struggle to identify how each of the expressions relate to each other.

Ensure connections are made between the bar models, your language and the expressions. Give particular attention to how the fraction links to how the bar model can be drawn, particularly when dividing the bar model into ___ parts.

Keywords

Expression - An expression contains one or more values, where each value is separated by an operator.
Equation - An equation is used to show that one number, calculation or expression is equal to another.
Denominator - The denominator is the bottom number in a fraction.

Pupils should be able to generalise that when a whole number is multiplied by a unit fraction, the whole number becomes smaller. Encourage pupils to notice this for themselves as well as how to 'undo' the process to get back to the original whole.

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Licence

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