Go Math! Grade 5, Chapter 8: Divide Fractions
In this unit, your child divides with unit fractions. They divide a whole number by a fraction like 1/5, and a fraction like 1/3 by a whole number, using drawings and number lines to see what each answer means, and connect division back to multiplication. It follows multiplying fractions and comes before a unit on number patterns and graphing.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 8?
- Dividing a whole number by a unit fraction, like 3 ÷ 1/5 = 15, and a unit fraction by a whole number, like 1/3 ÷ 2 = 1/6. 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 3 divided by 1/5?
- 15
- 1/15
- 3/5
How you can help
- Ask how many 1/4-cup scoops fill a 3-cup container. Let your child predict, then check by scooping water that 3 ÷ 1/4 is 12.
- Share 1/3 of a pan of brownies or cornbread between 2 people. Ask your child what fraction of the whole pan each person gets, 1/6.
- Check division with multiplication at dinner: if 3 ÷ 1/5 = 15, ask your child to show why 15 × 1/5 brings you back to 3.
Where kids can get stuck
- Dividing the denominator by the whole number, so 1/4 ÷ 2 becomes 1/2 instead of 1/8.
- Multiplying instead of dividing, so 3 ÷ 1/5 becomes 3/5 instead of 15.
- Mixing up sharing and grouping, so “how many 1/4-cup scoops in 3 cups” gets 3/4.
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.
- dividend
- The amount you start with and split up in a division problem.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 4 in 32 ÷ 4.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem, like 8 in 32 ÷ 4 = 8.
- number line
- A line with numbers placed in order at equal spaces.
- model
- A drawing or object that shows what a math problem means.
Want to help your child master dividing with unit 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 Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 8 cover?
Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 8 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.NF.B.7: Divide with fractions, like 1/2 ÷ 4 and 5 ÷ 1/3.
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.