5th Grade · Number & Operations - Fractions
5.NF.B.3: Understand a fraction as division, like 2 ÷ 3 = 2/3
5.NF.B.3 is a 5th grade Common Core math standard in Number & Operations - Fractions. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Interpret a fraction as division of the numerator by the denominator (a/b = a ÷ b). Solve word problems involving division of whole numbers leading to answers in the form of fractions or mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. For example, interpret 3/4 as the result of dividing 3 by 4, noting that 3/4 multiplied by 4 equals 3, and that when 3 wholes are shared equally among 4 people each person has a share of size 3/4. If 9 people want to share a 50-pound sack of rice equally by weight, how many pounds of rice should each person get? Between what two whole numbers does your answer lie?
In plain words
Understand a fraction as division, like 2 ÷ 3 = 2/3.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
What is 4 ÷ 7?
- 0
- 4/7
- 7/4
Where students can get stuck
- Saying 3 ÷ 4 cannot be done because 3 is smaller than 4, instead of seeing that each share is 3/4.
- Writing the fraction upside down, so 3 pizzas shared among 4 people becomes 4/3 instead of 3/4.
- Giving a remainder when a fraction fits better, so 7 brownies shared by 2 is "3 remainder 1" instead of 3 1/2 each.
Effective teaching strategies
- Have students share 3 paper strips equally among 4 people by cutting each strip into fourths, so they see each person gets 3 pieces, or 3/4 of a strip.
- Write 3 ÷ 4 and 3/4 for the same story, and ask students which number is being shared and which tells the number of shares.
- Give a problem such as 7 equal paper strips shared by 2 people, and compare the answers 3 remainder 1 and 3 1/2 to decide which fits the story.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 5.NF.B.3 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Fractions as sharing, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4 for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice fractions at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.