Divide with Unit Fractions - Practice 1

Distinguish the number of equal-size groups from the size of an equal share.

All worksheets

Watch the lesson | Try Fraction Dock: choose Grouping

5 questions0m 0s

Learn the skill

A unit fraction has numerator 1. A whole number divided by a unit fraction asks how many groups of that size fit. A unit fraction divided by a positive whole number shares that fraction equally. Keep the reference whole fixed. Check every result by multiplication. Never divide by zero.

Worked example

2 divided by 1/3 = 6 groups: each of two wholes contains three thirds. But 1/3 divided by 2 = 1/6 per share: split the third into two equal parts. Check: 6 x 1/3 = 2 and 2 x 1/6 = 1/3. The diagram shows these examples, not the questions.

Top: two same-sized wholes each have three equal pieces numbered one through six, showing 2 divided by 1/3 = 6 groups. Bottom: one whole has six equal pieces; the first two make one third and are numbered as two equal shares. Each share is one sixth, so 1/3 divided by 2 = 1/6. Practice questions use different amounts. — Group numbers distinguish equal groups. Each whole has the same size, even when partitioned differently.

Would you believe it?

Changing the unit can change the count without changing the amount: one whole contains two halves or four quarters. Division counts the groups named by its divisor. Check by multiplying the group count by the group size.

OpenStax: dividing fractions

Question 1 3 divided by 1/4 = ? 3/4 12 4/3

Question 2 1/5 divided by 3 = ? 3/5 1/8 1/15

Question 3 0 divided by 1/6 = ? 0 6 1/6

Question 4 Share 1/4 equally between 2 people. Each share is 1/__. What denominator fills the blank? Answer

Question 5 Why does 2 divided by 1/2 give 4, not 1? Division must always make the number smaller Four half-size groups fit in two wholes The two wholes shrink to one whole

Review your work

0correct

Complete the questions to review each answer.

View dashboard