4 ÷ 1/3 asks how many thirds fit in 4: 3 in each whole, so 12. 1/3 ÷ 4 splits a third into 4 equal parts, each 1/12. Check by multiplying back.
unit fractionone part, with a top number of 1, like 1/4
dividesplit into equal parts, or see how many fit
quotientthe answer to ÷
wholeone complete thing
Watch for: Expecting a smaller answer for 4 ÷ 1/3: dividing by a fraction less than 1 gives more. Writing 1/3 ÷ 4 as 4/3 instead of 1/12. Not checking: 12 × 1/3 should give back 4, and 1/12 × 4 should give back 1/3.
At home: Cut 2 sandwiches into quarters and count the pieces: 2 ÷ 1/4 = 8. Then split one quarter between 2 people: 1/4 ÷ 2 = 1/8.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Dividing with unit fractions · 5.NF.B.7
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
A unit fraction shared
1/3 ÷ 4: split a third into 4 equal parts.
14÷ 5 =18÷ 2 =13÷ 6 =15÷ 6 =12÷ 6 =18÷ 4 =
How many fit?
4 ÷ 1/3: how many thirds are in 4?
5 ÷14=9 ÷14=2 ÷17=3 ÷17=6 ÷18=4 ÷15=
Story time
1
Luna has 3 pounds of trail mix and fills bags that each hold 1/2 pound. How many bags does Luna fill?
bags
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Dividing with unit fractions · 5.NF.B.7
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Luna has 3 pounds of trail mix and fills bags that each hold 1/2 pound. How many bags does Luna fill?
3 × 2 = 6
6bags
Answer key
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
