enVision Mathematics Grade 5, Topic 9: Apply Understanding of Division to Divide Fractions
In this unit, your child sees division with fractions in two ways. A fraction is itself a division, so 5 ÷ 8 is 5/8. They also divide with unit fractions: how many thirds are in 4 wholes, or how much each person gets when half a sandwich is shared by 3. It follows multiplying fractions, and line plots of data come next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 9?
- Writing a division like 5 ÷ 8 as the fraction 5/8, and solving sharing problems with fraction or mixed number answers. Learn more: Fractions as sharing, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4
- Dividing with unit fractions, like 4 ÷ 1/3 = 12 or 1/2 ÷ 3 = 1/6, using drawings to explain the answer. Learn more: Dividing with fractions, like 1/2 ÷ 4
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
What is 4 ÷ 7?
- 0
- 4/7
- 7/4
How you can help
- Share 5 granola bars among 8 people, or picture it on paper. Ask your child how much each person gets, and help them see that 5 ÷ 8 is 5/8 of a bar.
- Ask how many 1/2-cup servings are in 3 cups of yogurt. Let your child draw the cups, then check that 3 ÷ 1/2 is 6.
- Split leftovers: 1/2 of a pizza shared by 3 people. Ask your child what fraction of the whole pizza each person gets, 1/6, and to draw the slices.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing the fraction upside down, so 5 bars shared by 8 people becomes 8/5 instead of 5/8.
- Multiplying instead of dividing, so 5 ÷ 1/3 becomes 5/3 instead of 15.
- Saying 5 ÷ 8 cannot be done because 5 is smaller than 8, instead of seeing each share is 5/8.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- unit fraction
- One equal part of a whole, like 1/4.
- numerator
- In 3/4, the 3: the number of equal parts being counted.
- denominator
- In 3/4, the 4: the number of equal parts the whole is cut into.
- quotient
- What you get when you divide one number by another.
- dividend
- The amount you start with and split up in a division problem.
- divisor
- The number that tells how many groups, or how big each group is, in division.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with dividing fractions?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 9 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 5 Topic 9 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.