Divide a whole by a fraction

Target: Divide a whole number by a unit fraction.

Language target: State the reciprocal sentence.

Likely miss: Students multiply by the fraction instead of by its reciprocal, so the answer shrinks when the question asks how many groups fit.

Ask: What is the reciprocal you used?

If you see it: Ask whether the answer should be larger or smaller than the dividend before computing. Then match the reciprocal to that prediction.

Evidence to listen for: The student predicts the size, computes with the reciprocal, and explains a wrong product.

Next: If the reciprocal is unsteady, return to a strip diagram of a unit fraction.

Observable student moves: names both quantities, uses the represented relationship, and revises after feedback. This companion is not a score.